HC Deb 01 November 1932 vol 269 c1597
45. Sir PERCY HURD

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how it is intended to define Canadian wheat in the working of the Ottawa Agreement; and if it is proposed to confine the British preference to Canadian wheat shipped through Canadian ports?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Canadian wheat means wheat grown in Canada which satisfies the conditions of Sub-section (1) of Clause 2 of the Ottawa Agreements Bill. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer to the full statement made by the Financial Secretary last night on an Amendment on this subject moved by the hon. Member for West Derby (Sir J. Sandeman Allen).

Mr. HERBERT WILLIAMS

Is my right hon. Friend aware that some of us were not quite clear as to the meaning of the statement?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I am very much surprised to hear that.

Mr. JOHNSTONE

If Canadian wheat is defined as being solely Canadian wheat shipped from Canadian ports, is it not the case that the whole preference will he abolished, or there will be the extra cost of transport from Halifax, Nova Scotia?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

If my hon. Friend will read the Bill, he will see that it is not so defined.