§ 23. Sir FRANK SANDERSONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the large imports of linseed oil into the United Kingdom in December, 1932, 3,787 tons, in January, 1933, 1,253 tons, and during last week, 790 tons from Russia; and whether, in view of the effect of these imports upon the seed-crushing industry of this country, he will give to the Government of India the necessary notice under the Ottawa Agreement, with a view to removing the duty of 10 per cent. on linseed imported from the Argentine?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am aware of the facts stated by my hon. Friend. The 978 duties on linseed and linseed oil provided for in the Trade Agreement with India were not imposed until 1st January, and there is no present intention of notifying and consulting with the Government of India, in terms of Article 14 of the Agreement, with a view to a change in these duties being agreed upon.
§ Sir F. SANDERSONIs my right hon. Fritnd aware that the imposition of 'a 10 per cent. duty on Argentine linseed without an equivalent increase in the duty on linseed oil is jeopardising the industry; and would he consider asking the Advisory Committee to speed up their reply in regard to the recommendations put forward by the industry for an equivalent duty on imported linseed oil?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am not myself aware of what has passed between the industry and the Advisory Committee, but I have no doubt that any representations made to them will receive their prompt attention.