HC Deb 21 June 1933 vol 279 c759
36. Mr. LAMBERT

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the wholesale price of butter in Australia and the -wholesale price at which Australian butter is sold in London?

Mr. J. H. THOMAS

I understand that the price of what is known as "Kangaroo" butter in Melbourne on 16th May, the latest date of which I have information, was 123s. 10d.(Australian currency) per hundredweight. On the same date in London the price of butter of the same quality was from 79s. to 80s. (sterling) per hundredweight.

Mr. LAMBERT

Does not that show that Australian butter is sold dear in Australia in order to be sold cheaply in Great Britain, thereby crippling the British farmer?

Mr. THOMAS

I think it does look like it.

Lieut.Colonel ACLAND-TROYTE

Is not this dumping of Australian butter contrary to the spirit, if not to the letter, of the Ottawa Agreement, and will the right hon. Gentleman try to prevent it?