§ 25. Mr. REMERasked the Minister of Agriculture if his attention has been called to the continued importation of chickens from Russia which are being sold wholesale at 5d. a pound; if he is aware of the injury caused to the British poultry keepers; if he has ascertained whether these cheap wholesale prices have been passed on to the consumer by the retailers; and if he will represent those facts to the Import Duties Advisory Committee for their consideration?
§ Sir J. GILMOURImports of poultry from Russia in recent weeks have been on a greatly reduced scale and have been much smaller than for the corresponding period last year. My information is to the effect that the bulk of these imports consist of hens; that the average whole sale price is in excess of that quoted by 766 my hon. Friend, and that they are purchased mainly by hotels and caterers. While I do not propose to take the steps suggested in the last part of the question, the situation will be closely watched.
§ Mr. SMITHERSWhy is it necessary to have any imports of poultry at all from Russia?