§ 76. Mr. DREWEasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the recent abnormal importations of Russian and Dutch table poultry and whether he is prepared to introduce emergency legislation in the interests of the home producer?
§ 77. Captain HEILGERSasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the recent abnormal importations of Dutch and Russian chickens, he will take steps to protect the home producer from these arrivals of foreign poultry which render the home-produced consignment practically unsaleable?
§ Sir J. GILMOURAlthough the volume fluctuates considerably from time to time, the information at my disposal does not confirm the statement that recent importaions of table poultry from Russia and the Netherlands have been abnormal. In these circumstances, the second part of the questions does not arise.
§ Mr. DREWEIs my right hon. Friend aware that the importation from Russia is going to be sold at from 5d. to 9d. a pound; and does he consider that that is fair to poultry producers in this country?
§ Sir J. GILMOURAll I can say is that the matter is receiving my careful consideration.
§ Sir P. HARRISWill the right hon. Gentleman consider poultry eaters as well as poultry producers?