HC Deb 06 November 1934 vol 293 cc797-8
6. Mr. LAMBERT

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has made, or will make, representations to the Australian Government that the sale of dairy products here at a lower price than in Australia constitutes unfair competition for the British dairy farmer?

Mr. J. H. THOMAS

The conditions to which my right hon. Friend refers are not confined to Australia, and His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom do not think that it would serve a useful purpose to make representations to the Commonwealth Government in the matter.

Mr. LAMBERT

Will not the agricultural interests here be prejudiced if this kind of competition continues?

Mr. THOMAS

The same principle applies with regard to Holland and Denmark. As far as the agricultural interests in this country are concerned, no one knows better than my right hon. Friend the magnificent contribution of this Government towards the resuscitation of the industry.

Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTE

is not the friendship of the agricultural industry at home and in our Dominions much more important that that of Holland and Denmark, and does not my right hon. Friend think it is most unfortunate that anything should be done to upset this friendship of the agricultural industry for the Dominions?

Mr. THOMAS

I hope nothing will be done, least of all by questions in this House, that would interfere with that friendship.

Mr. PALING

Does not the right hon. Gentleman see that the sale of these products at these prices is the result of the, Ottawa Agreement?

Mr. THOMAS

No, it has no bearing on the Ottawa Agreement. The Ottawa Agreement covers preference as far as we are concerned and reciprocity on the other hand, but the particular question involved has nothing to do with that.

Mr. MABANE

Is it not a fact that many products of this country are sold at lower prices in Australia than here, and is it not important to be careful that no complaints are raised on that account?

Mr. THOMAS

Certainly, and, if hon. Members will think for a moment, the position of coal is also affected.