§ 29. Mr. McGOVERNasked the President of the Board of Trade what supplies of meat and wheat are stored in this country; and is he satisfied that there is a sufficiency in case of emergency?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANReliable particulars of the supplies of meat in this country are not available, but it is understood that they are ample. The supply of wheat (including flour in terms of wheat) normally available in February is believed to be sufficient for about two months' consumption; the port stocks at the beginning of this month were higher than at the corresponding date in 1930 or 1931.
§ 42. Mr. HURDasked the President of the Board of Trade what are the separate items which make up the total of about 11,000,000 cwts. of canned, boxed, bagged, and preserved meats imported into this country; and to which of these the new 10 per cent. revenue duty will apply?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANMy hon. Friend will find particulars of the imports of various classes of meat in the Monthly Accounts 198 relating to Trade and Navigation in the United Kingdom, the December issue of which contains full particulars relating to the year 1931 and each of the preceding two years, and also in the Annual Statement of the Trade of the United Kingdom. As regards the last part of the question I would refer my hon. Friend to the First Schedule to the Import Duties Bill, under which any extracts and essences of meat or meat preserved in airtight containers will be liable to duty.
§ Mr. HURDIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there is considerable confusion as to where, exactly, the application of the 10 per cent. duty will lie?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI hope that it will become abundantly clear in the course of to-day.
§ Mr. THORNEWho decides the prices of the articles mentioned in this question?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI could not answer that question.