HC Deb 19 March 1934 vol 287 cc847-9
21. Mr. HERBERT WILLIAMS

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, having regard to the fact that the retained imports of beef and veal in February, 1934, were the highest for the month of February in any year yet recorded, he can state when it is proposed to restrict the imports of beef as a whole?

Mr. ELLIOT

My hon. Friend will appreciate that regulation of imports can only be undertaken in observance of our existing agreements with the Dominions and with foreign countries.

Mr. WILLIAMS

When does my right hon. Friend propose to effect such a re- vision of these agreements as will enable us to protect the British livestock industry?

Mr. ELLIOT

My hon. Friend knows better than almost anybody that these agreements in respect of meat run out in the summer of this year.

Mr. THORNE

Does the Minister think that he will be able to restrict the hon. Member's "chin-wagging" so much on Fridays?

24. Captain SHAW

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the fall in price of fat cattle in Scotland, he intends to take any further steps to restrict imports of foreign beef; and whether the restrictions on imports of beef, already announced, are being in practice adhered to?

25. Mr. LAMBERT

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that beef imports for the first two months have exceeded last year's imports by over 220,000 cwts.; and what measures are in prospect to check these imports in order to secure reasonably remunerative prices to home producers?

Mr. ELLIOT

I am aware of the increase in imports of beef in the first two months of this year, which is attributable to larger supplies of frozen beef from Empire countries. These supplies are not at present subject to regulation. Foreign countries have hitherto adhered closely to their allocations, and I have no reason to suppose that they are not continuing to do so. With regard to further measures affecting imports, I regret I am unable to add to the reply which I gave on 15th March to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Tiverton (Lieut.-Colonel Acland-Troyte), of which I am sending my hon. and right hon. Friends a copy.

Mr. LAMBERT

Will the Minister kindly answer the last part of Question No 25—when the cattle producers in this country are to expect reasonably remunerative prices?

Mr. ELLIOT

I am afraid I could not answer that question. As to the question of time for consideration, my right hon. Friend will find that dealt with in the last part of the answer of which I am forwarding him a copy.

Sir H. CROFT

Can the Minister give an assurance to the House that, when the present agreement comes up for reconsideration, no methods will be precluded from his purview, and that the "doctor's mandate" will be unlimited in this respect?

Mr. ELLIOT

Our examination is quite unprejudiced except in so far as we are limited by engagements which have been entered into.

Lord SCONE

Has there been any communication with the Governments of the Dominions with a view to further restriction of Dominion supples?

Mr. ELLIOT

We are in continual communication with the Dominion Governments regarding the whole of these agricultural questions.

Mr. WILMOT

Will the right hon. Gentleman be equally careful to see that the price of supplies is such that the consumer can continue to consume?

Mr. ELLIOT

That is one of the essential points. My hon. Friend will not deny that the cost of living has consistently fallen.