§ 25. Mr. HANNONasked the Minister of Agriculture if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the index number of retained imports of dairy produce on the basis that the quarterly average in 1930 was equal to 100 amounted during the first quarter of this year to 117.9 as compared with 103.3 in the same period of 1933; and, in view of this increase, what is the policy of the Government for dealing with this increased competition with home-produced dairy produce?
§ Mr. ELLIOTThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement I made on 22nd February last explaining the steps it is proposed to take to meet the situation arising from the increased imports of butter and cheese. The House will shortly have an opportunity of considering these proposals when the Financial Resolution now on the Order Paper is taken. With regard to eggs, the position is that assurances of co-operation have been received from nine of the Governments who were asked to ensure that their exports to this market during the period beginning 15th March and ending on 14th September next, do not exceed the figures of the corresponding period last year. It should be noted that imports of eggs in shell during the seven weeks ended 5th May, 1934, were 30 per cent. less than in the corresponding period last year.
§ Mr. HANNONIn view of the peculiar difficulties which now attach to egg production in this country, and the number of smallholders involved, may I ask whether this particular aspect of the agricultural problem is engaging the attention of the Department?
§ Mr. ELLIOTYes, Sir. I would point out that the drop of 30 per cent. as compared with the imports of last year is a very considerable reduction.