HC Deb 14 February 1933 vol 274 cc796-800
27. Mr. BOOTHBY

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he proposes to take any steps to check the importation of subsidised foreign oats?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I am not aware that any subsidised foreign oats are being imported into this country.

Mr. BOOTHBY

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that if these subsidised oats continue to be imported, the growers of oats in Scotland will be completely ruined?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I am afraid that the hon. Gentleman did not hear my answer, which was that I was not aware that any subsidised oats were being imported.

Mr. BOOTHBY

They are being imported.

Sir J. LAMB

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that large quantities have been imported into this country, and will he take steps to see that it is not done?

32. Mr. SCRYMGEOUR-WEDDER-BURN

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the Government has any statistics to show the existence and extent of the dumping of foreign oats, oatmeal, and barley in Scotland; and, if so, whether he can state the facts?

Mr. SKELTON

I regret that I have not yet been able to obtain statistics of imports into Scotland of these commodities for a later period than 1931, but with my hon. Friend's permission I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT figures giving particulars of imports into the United Kingdom for 1931 and 1932, together with the figures for Scotland for 1931.

Major COLFOX

When the hon. Gentleman has these figures at his disposal, will he hand them over to the President of the Board of Trade, who says that he knows nothing about them?

Mr. BOOTHBY

Why is my hon. Friend unable to get these important figures for a later date than 1931; and,

Figures showing Imports of Oats, Oat Products and Barley into the United Kingdom, 1931 and 1932.
1. Oats.
Country of Origin. 1931. 1932.
Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value.
Cwts. £ Cwts. £
Soviet Union (Russia) … … … 2,782,823 629,926 112,921 34,297
Canada … … … 1,295,121 326,475 2,476,591 758,903
Germany … … … 26,398 5,957 86,943 24,427
Argentine Republic … … … 3,664,553 701,787 3,155,658 824,223
Irish Free State … … … 134,239 38,608 47,453 16,848
Other Countries … … … 850,060 221,014 588,461 176,736
Total … … … 8,753,194 1,923,767 6,468,027 1,835,434
Total into Scotland … … … 673,191 142,987 not available.

as the President of the Board of Trade seems to know him very well, is there no liaison between the Board of Trade and the Scottish Office?

Mr. SKELTON

The figures for 1932 will not be published until a later period

Following are the figures:

37. Mr. BOOTHBY

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to institute a quota system for oats similar to the wheat quota system, in order that Scottish farmers may receive for their oats a price sufficient to cover the cost of production?

Mr. SKELTON

My right hon. Friend is carefully examining the position with regard to oats and oat products, but on the information at present before him as to the home production and the imports of oats respectively it appears to him that the institution of a quota system on the lines of the wheat quota system would not be practicable.

Mr. BOOTHBY

Can the hon. Gentleman give the House an assurance that some action will be taken with regard to oats particularly in the near future?

Mr. SKELTON

My hon. Friend knows very well that it is not my function to give such an assurance, but I can assure him that the question of oats has been most fully and carefully considered in view of the great importance of that cereal to Scottish farming.

The numbers of permits granted to male workers by Agricultural Wages Committees under Section 2 (3) of the Agricultural Wages Act, 1924, in operation on 30th September, 1932, classified according to the grounds in respect of which the applications for permits had been made, were as follows:
Agricultural Wages Committee Area Number of permits granted.
On account of infirmity due to age or to any other cause. On account of mental deficiency or physical injury. Total.
Beds and Hunts … 143 41 184
Berks … 174 40 214
Bucks … 85 37 122
Cambs and Isle of Ely … 125 29 154
Cheshire … 8 69 77
Cornwall … 65 49 114
Cumberland and Westmorland … 9 53 62
Derby … 87 51 138
Devon … 182 159 341
Dorset … 216 66 282
Durham … 18 43 61
Essex … 273 59 332
Gloucester … 218 95 313
Hants and Isle of Wight … 198 65 263
Hereford … 438 118 556
Herts … 129 33 162
Kent … 505 107 612
Lanes … 14 93 107
Mr. PERKINS

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that nobody eats oats except Scotsmen and asses—

Mr. KIRK WOOD

And the hon. Member is one of the asses.

Mr. PERKINS

—and will he therefore prohibit the importation of foreign oats into Scotland?