§ 39. Mr. LYONSasked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the recent importations of Hungarian turkeys; whether he can give the approximate figures of the imports of foreign turkeys for the period from 1st November, 1934, up to the most recent convenient date; and whether, in view of the season of the year, he proposes to take any steps to safeguard further the interests of the home-producer?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI am aware that, as is usual at this season, considerable quantities of Hungarian turkeys are being imported. During the five weeks ended 5th December, imports of foreign turkeys have amounted to approximately 34,000 cwts. With regard to the last part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Louth (Lieut.-Colonel Heneage) on 29th November last.
§ Mr. ELLIOTThat matter came before the Imports Duty Advisory Committee, and it is in consequence of their decision that the imports are now taking place.
§ Mr. LYONSDid the Imports Duty Advisory Committee give to my right hon. Friend the reasons for their decision?
§ Mr. ELLIOTNo. It was specially arranged in the legislation that they should not be brought into close contact with their political chiefs in the Department.
§ Mr. CROSSLEYWhat markings are supposed to be put on foreign turkeys?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI could not say without notice.
§ Mr. THORNECan the right hon. Gentleman give any idea, if there were no imported turkeys in this country, what would be the price of English turkeys?
§ Mr. ELLIOTThat is a hypothetical question.