§ 42. Mr. H. WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Agriculture when he will be able to announce any further steps to deal with the livestock industry, having regard to the fact that the imports of beef in April, 1934, increased to 970,249 cwts. from 917,819 cwts. in April, 1933, and from 897,636 cwts. in April, 1932?
§ 39. Sir ERNEST SHEPPERSONasked the Minister of Agriculture if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the weight of beef imported in the four months ended 30th April was 7 per cent. higher than in the corresponding period last year; and what steps he proposes to take to deal with the situation?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI am aware that imports of beef into the United Kingdom in April and in the four months January to April, 1934, were greater than in the corresponding periods of the last two years, due to larger supplies from Empire sources. The meat situation is at present under consideration in the light of the report of the Reorganisation Commission for Fat Stock.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs it not the case that the reduction of imports from foreign countries this year as compared with last year has been almost negligible?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI have answered the question which has been asked, and the fact is that the total supplies are larger and my hon. Friend knows very well from where they come.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSWas it not the object of the Ottawa Agreements to increase the imports from Empire countries and to diminish them from foreign countries?
§ Mr. ELLIOTThat is exactly what is taking place. What does my hon. Friend object to?