HC Deb 12 July 1934 vol 292 cc523-4
39. Mr. GRAHAM WHITE

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to the serious position of the export trade in ships' biscuits, owing to the incidence of the wheat quota; and what steps he proposes to take to help this industry to regain this trade?

Mr. ELLIOT

Representations have been made to me from time to time, by persons concerned with the export trade in ships' biscuits, in favour of refunding quota payments made under the Wheat Act, 1932, on flour used in the manufacture of ships' biscuits which are subsequently exported. The matter has been given most careful consideration, but it has not so far been found possible to overcome the practical difficulties involved.

Mr. WHITE

Is the right hon. Gentleman's mind finally closed on this matter, or is he prepared to give further consideration to it in order to arrive at some scheme of drawback?

Mr. ELLIOT

I would be very ready to examine any scheme which my hon. Friend brought forward. I know the difficulties.

Lieut.-Colonel SANDEMAN ALLEN

Is it beyond the wit of the Ministry of Agriculture to discover a formula which would define the contents of ships' biscuits?

Mr. ELLIOT

We are very stupid people in Agriculture, and we hope to get some assistance from the hon. and gallant Gentleman.