§ 47. Colonel ROPNERasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the glut of last season's potatoes and the very low price at which they can be bought, he will consider the advisability of temporarily prohibiting the import of foreign potatoes?
§ Mr. ELLIOTNegotiations are proceeding for the limitation of imports of main-crop potatoes from foreign countries during the first four months of this year. Imports from the Netherlands will not exceed 8,000 tons, while other foreign countries have been asked to refrain from exporting to this market. As to imports of new potatoes, communications are about to be made to the countries concerned.
§ Sir ROBERT HAMILTONCan the Minister say how the main crop of potatoes in this country are keeping?
§ Colonel ROPNERWill the Minister not consider a temporary embargo while the conversations are proceeding?
§ Mr. MACLAYIn view of the fact that all these restrictions are merely a further nail in the coffin of shipping, may we have the Minister's assurance that when conducting these negotiations he has fully in view the corresponding harm that he is doing to shipping?
§ Mr. ELLIOTCertainly. I have to consider both the advantages and disadvantages of any of the projects, and that is why we proceed by negotiation and not by the arbitrary imposition of embargo.