§ 29. Mr. RHYS DAVIESasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has any information as to the method employed by the Jugoslavian Government in connection with its wheat control scheme; how long the scheme has been in operation; and for what reasons that Government, has decided to abandon the scheme?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Sir John Gilmour)The scheme for controlling the wheat and wheat flour trade of Jugoslavia was instituted in June, 1931, with the object of sustaining the internal price level so as to subsidise exports and assist wheat growers. The scheme was operated through the medium of an export company, which was given monopoly powers over the internal as well as over the import and export trade. I am informed that the company incurred considerable losses on the export of wheat and was unable to maintain complete control over internal sales or to meet in full its obligations to farmers in respect of the large quantities of wheat concerned. The scheme has been modified from time to time, and, as from March last, the internal trade became free, although the control over import and export remains. I am unaware of the reasons that have been given for this change of policy.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether he has heard if that scheme has been attended with greater success than he expects from his own?
§ Sir J. GILMOURIt is conceived on quite different lines.