HC Deb 27 March 1934 vol 287 cc1796-7
23. Mr. H. WILLIAMS

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that the imports of wheat meal and flour from foreign countries during the first two months of this year have increased by 68 per cent. as compared with the corresponding months of last year; and what steps are being taken to deal with this danger to the milling industry?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I am aware of the position in regard to the imports of wheat meal and flour from foreign countries. My hon. Friend will no doubt have noticed that the Import Duties Advisory Committee who have recently had under consideration an application to increase the duty on foreign flour, have decided not to make any recommendation at the present time in regard to the application.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any indication why the Import Duties Advisory Committee are constantly turning down what seem to be reasonable applications?

Lieut.-Colonel SANDEMAN ALLEN

Does my right hon. Friend realise that the mills on Mersey-side have had to shut down for a week on that account?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

If that be the case, it ought to have been brought to the attention of the Advisory Committee.