HC Deb 18 April 1934 vol 288 cc959-60
35. Mr. WILLIAM MORRISON

asked the Minister of Agriculture what are the actual restrictions now in force with regard to the importation of foreign skimmed and full-cream condensed milk, sterilised cream, and milk powder?

Dr. BURGIN

The foreign Governments mainly concerned with the export of condensed milk, milk powder and cream to the United Kingdom have been asked by His Majesty's Government to make reductions as follows in such exports as from 1st April, the reductions proposed being in each case based on the imports during the same months of the year previous to the introduction of the voluntary arrangements, namely, June, 1932, to May, 1933:

Condensed skimmed milk.—Reduction of 22½ per cent. for the quarter ending 30th June.

Cream.—Reduction of 30 per cent. for the quarter ending 30th June.

Condensed whole milk and milk powder.—Reduction of 20 per cent. for the time being.

The Government has every hope that these proposals will be agreed to.

Imports of condensed milk, milk powder and cream from foreign countries are also subject to the following Customs duties:

Condensed whole milk and milk powder, unsweetened, 6s. per cwt.; condensed whole milk, sweetened, 5s. per cwt., in addition to any duty payable on the sugar content; condensed skimmed milk and milk powder, sweetened, 10 per cent. ad valorem, or the duty payable upon the sugar content, whichever is the larger; cream, 10 per cent. ad valorem.

Sir PERCY HARRIS

Has the hon. Gentleman made arrangements with the importers that there should be no increase in the price of any of these commodities, so as to prevent what happened with bacon, which rose in price in consequence of these restrictions? Has he got a guarantee to that effect?

Dr. BURGIN

The question on the Paper deals with the quantity of the restrictions. The other matters, I think, should be the subject of a separate question.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Does this mean an increase in the price of milk that is being imported, or does it mean a reduction?

Dr. BURGIN

It means neither the one nor the other. It means a continuation of an arrangement that has for some time been in force.

Vice-Admiral TAYLOR

As the imports are still very large in volume, will the Minister not consider, as we are so capable of making these things ourselves, increasing the tariff against foreign imports?

Dr. BURGIN

My hon. and gallant Friend will recollect that some of these matters may be the subject of trade agreements with the countries from which they come, and it would not be possible to disturb a trade agreement shortly after it had been concluded.

Captain HEILGERS

Is my hon. Friend aware that the whole of these commodities could easily be produced at home?