§ 13. Mr. LAMBERTasked the Minister of Agriculture what assurance can be given to the home producers of butter and cheese that they will receive for their products a price to compensate for the costs of production?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE and FISHERIES (Major Elliot)In so far as the prices of butter and cheese depend on the import situation, foreign supplies are subject to import duties under the Import Duties Act and the Ottawa Agreements Act, and concerted action to regulate supplies in the interests of all concerned is being undertaken wherever possible. In so far as prices are dependent on conditions within the dairying industry, steps are being taken by the producers themselves to organise the marketing of milk, and these will receive all possible encouragement by the Government. Further action will be possible under the Agricultural Marketing Bill when that Measure reaches the Statute Book.
§ Mr. LAMBERTWill the right hon Gentleman take any steps to limit imports that are bounty fed and also encouraged by depreciated currencies?
§ Major ELLIOTThe right hon. Gentleman knows that that is too big a question to enter upon by way of question and answer.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIs it not the case that 85 per cent. of the imports of cheese come from the Dominions?