19. Captain RAMSAYasked the President of the Board of Trade the quantity of foreign oats landed in this country for the two months ended 30th November, 1933, and how does this compare with the corresponding period of 1932?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe total imports of oats into the United Kingdom registered during the months of October and November, 1933, as consigned from foreign countries amounted to 858,000 cwt. The imports during the corresponding period of 1932 were 402,000 cwt.
Captain RAMSAYIn view of the fact that these figures show continuous and increasing imports into this country from abroad, has the right hon. Gentleman any suggestion or any promise to hold out to the House that some action will be taken to remedy the situation, which is now a scandal?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI answered the question in the form in which it was put, but perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend would like to know that in the 11 months ending November the imports of oats declined from 6,138,000 cwt. in 1932 to 4,996,000 cwt. in 1933.
Captain RAMSAYArising out of the original reply, may I ask if the figures given by the right hon. Gentleman in answer to my question do not show that the extra 10 per cent. duty on oats has had no effect at all?
§ Mr. HERBERT WILLIAMSWould the right hon. Gentleman consider the question of altering the duty from an ad valorem duty to a specific duty—a step which he could take in conjunction with the Chancellor of the Exchequer?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI will consider that.