15. Lieut.-Colonel TODDasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the rapid increase in the import of chilled meat from Uruguay and Brazil, he will take steps to restrict this competitive import which does not come under any foreign trade agreement?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Dr. Burgin)I have been asked to reply. The total imports of chilled beef from foreign countries are strictly limited by arrangement with the importers. There are naturally variations in the supplies from individual countries from time to time. Imports from Uruguay have recently shown an increase, but those from Brazil have declined.
Lieut.-Colonel TODDDoes that mean that the interests of finance are being considered rather than the interests of the home producer?
§ Mr. HERBERT WILLIAMSIf the imports from Uruguay have declined, can my hon. Friend say why they are higher in June this year than they were in June last year?
§ Dr. BURGINI said that they have shown an increase this year, and that those from Brazil have declined. The total imports for the first six months of this year show a considerable decline.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSDid not the imports from Brazil show an increase in June of this year, as compared with June of last year?
§ Dr. BURGINThere are fluctuating variations from month to month. The first five months and the first six months of the year show a decline as compared with last year.
Lieut.-Colonel TODDMay I have an answer to my question as to whether the interests of the home producer are being considered?