HC Deb 22 December 1932 vol 273 cc1229-30
19. Mr. WHITE

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if a decision has now been given as to the eligibility of the trial shipment of Canadian-grown wheat per steamship "Laconia," via Buffalo and New York, to Liverpool for the preference accorded to Empire wheat?

21. Mr. BROCKLEBANK

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether a decision has yet been reached as to the preference on Canadian wheat shipped in bond through American ports?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Hore-Belisha)

The documents accompanying this cargo establish that the wheat was of Canadian origin. My right hon. Friend is advised, however, that they do not afford the evidence necessary to prove that the wheat was consigned from Canada to this country as required by the Ottawa Agreements Act, 1932, and consequently this shipment cannot be admitted to preference.

Mr. WHITE

Having regard to the fact that those decisions will cause very serious dislocation in an important trade, with consequences unfortunate to the grower in Canada as well as to the consumer in this country, will the hon. Gentleman be willing to receive a deputation in order that he may be seized at first hand of the importance of the matter and find some way of overcoming a technical difficulty?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I should always be glad to receive my hon. Friend, or any representation that he desires to make, but he knows that this is the law and that no deputation would be successful in persuading me to go outside the law.

Mr. BROCKLEBANK

Will the hon. Gentleman remember the difficulty of ice and fog?

Sir JOHN WARDLAW-MILNE

Is it the case that, under the procedure laid down in the newspapers this morning as issued from the Treasury, it will not be at all difficult for the original consignors to make it clear that the wheat came from Canada and was consigned to people in this country?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I am much obliged to the hon. Gentleman for reminding the House of the full statement that has been issued.

Sir ROBERT HAMILTON

Is my hon. Friend aware of the effect of this decision on American opinion?