§ 60. Mr. ALBERYasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is able to announce any further action calculated to be of assistance to the agricultural industry?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Sir John Gilmour)As stated by the Prime Minister on Tuesday last, in reply to questions by the hon. Baronet the Member for Barnstaple (Sir B. Peto) and the Noble Lord the Member for Aldershot (Viscount Wolmer), an early opportunity will be taken to make a statement on the Government's agricultural policy.
§ 62. Mr. SMEDLEY CROOKEasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that the imposition of a tariff on Continental bacon imported into the Irish Free State has increased the difficulties of the English bacon industry by reason of the fact that available supplies of pigs are thereby reduced, whilst the glut of Continental bacon has proportionately increased; and whether he proposes to take steps to protect the British industry by means of a tariff or quota?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI would ask my hon. Friend to await the announcement of the Government's agricultural policy which will be made shortly.
§ Mr. HANNONWill the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the very serious position in which the bacon-curing industry in this country finds itself?
§ Brigadier-General Sir HENRY CROFTCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the word "shortly" is to be interpreted as meaning any period or whether it means in the next week or two?
§ Sir J. GILMOURWell, I hope next week.