§ 34. Sir J. WARDLAW-MILNEasked the Minister of Agriculture to what extent bounty-fed wheat has been imported into this country in the past year; and what action is being taken to counteract these unfair imports and restore fair conditions to the growers in this country?
§ Mr. ELLIOTDuring the 12 months ended 31st October, 1933, wheat was, so far as I am aware, imported into the United Kingdom from only one country, namely, France, in which there was is operation a direct bounty on exports. Imports from France during that year were practically confined to the months of August and September, and formed a negligible proportion of the total imports of wheat during the year. The imports from France have ceased for the time being, as it is understood that the trade is now unprofitable, owing to the low price of wheat in this country and the high price in France. In reply to the last part of the question, I would remind my hon. Friend that wheat growing in this country has been dealt with under the Wheat Act, 1932, and I do not consider that any further action is called for at the present time.
§ Sir J. WARDLAW-MILNECan my right hon. Friend say whether the bounty system is still in operation?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI am afraid that I cannot do so without notice.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is not the case that poultry feeders enjoy the luxury of a short price for bounty-fed wheat as a, feeding-stuff in this country?
§ Mr. ELLIOTThat is one of the factors in the situation.
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSMay I ask my right hon. Friend whether the wheat imported into this country in the month of October from Russia was not valued on a much lower average than the wheat from other countries?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI am afraid that I should need notice of that question.