§ 40. Sir PERCY HURDasked the Minister of Agriculture whether the 40 per cent. duty on Irish cattle is stopping or seriously checking the trade; and what is the general run of prices for such Irish cattle as do come in?
§ Major ELLIOTThere was some falling off in the imports of cattle from the Irish Free State immediately following the imposition of the duty in question, but for the week ending 26th November —the latest period for which the information is available—imports were about on the same scale as in the corresponding period of the two preceding years. The general run of prices of Irish cattle on this side does not differ materially from the general run of prices for similar classes of home stock.
§ Sir P. HURDAre not the figures which my right hon. and gallant Friend has just given affected by the fact that the Irish Free State Government gives a bonus on the export of these cattle?
§ Major ELLIOTNo doubt the fact that there is a bounty on export has some bearing on the numbers which actually come in here.
§ Mr. THORNEDid the right hon. and gallant Gentleman hear the supplementary question which I put to the Financial Secretary to the Treasury
§ Major ELLIOTindicated assent.
§ Mr. THORNEWhat do you think about it?