§ Mr. HUTCHISON (by Private Notice)asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the action of the Irish Free State in offering a bounty of 10s. on calf skins, whereby the English market in skins is glutted with imports, he will consider the immediate prohibition for the present of all such imports from the Free State?
§ Dr. BURGINThere is no power under existing legislation to take the action suggested by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. HUTCHISONIs my hon. Friend aware of the wholesale butchery which has taken place recently in Southern Ireland; and will he inquire into the matter and see whether some legislation can be brought forward to prohibit these imports?
§ Dr. BURGINThe whole matter to which my hon. Friend is drawing attention is extremely recent. I have seen Press reports, and am awaiting further information. The effect on British agriculture and British trade will, of course, be watched very closely.
§ Mr. MAXTONWill the hon. Gentleman in his consideration of this matter, take care that nothing is done to make the work of the Dominions Secretary more difficult than it is?