§ 20. Mr. HERBERT WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Agriculture if, having regard to the fact that the retained imports of beef, veal, mutton, and lamb, in 12 January 1934, were in weight 13 per cent. greater than those of January, 1933, and 1½ per cent. greater than those of January, 1932, he can now state when he proposes to put into effective operative the restrictive scheme he announced in the House of Commons in November, 1932?
§ Mr. ELLIOTGross imports from foreign sources in January this year were lower than in January, 1932, and January, 1933, by about 19 and 5 per cent. respectively. The increases in retained imports from all sources of beef, veal, mutton and lamb compared with the corresponding months of 1932 and 1933, are entirely attributable to larger supplies from Empire countries. The programmes announced by me in the House of Commons in 1932 and on subsequent occasions have, of course, been subject to undertakings, such as the Ottawa Agreements, then existing.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSWhen is there going to be a less supply coming on to the home market?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI have answered the question on the Paper. Any restriction can only be undertaken in observance of our existing agreements.