§ 23. Mr. LAMBERTasked the Minister of Agriculture whether having regard to the announced intention by Imperial Chemical Industries that British sellers will increase the price of sulphate of ammonia forthwith, he will take steps to secure the repeal of the present import duty on that product so as to enable land cultivators to secure fertilisers at the world price?
§ Major ELLIOTI would remind my right hon. Friend that the question of recommending additions to the items included in Schedule I to the Import Duties Act (the "Free List") is one for the Import Duties Advisory Committee, and it 463 is for the interests concerned in any particular commodities to make representations direct to the committee.
§ Mr. LAMBERTDoes the right hon. and gallant Gentleman propose to take any steps to protect farmers against these combines?
§ Major ELLIOTIt is the business of the agricultural industry, if it thinks that sulphate of ammonia should be placed on the Free List, to bring the matter before the statutory body set up by the House to consider these matters.
§ Mr. LAMBERTAre these combines to dictate to farmers the price of fertilisers without competition?