§ 12. Mr. HALL-CAINEasked the President of the Board of Trade what has been the measure of compliance with or evasion of the bacon import quotas during the period since 1st March this year; and what steps are being taken to deal with any excessive imports in this connection?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANImports of bacon and hams from foreign countries during the period 1st March to 23rd October, 1934, were about 7 per cent. in excess of the proportionate part of the allocation for the period March-December, 7934. This excess arises from a variety of causes with which I can hardly deal within the limits of a Parliamentary answer, but I may mention that the greater part of the excess is attributable to additional shipments from Denmark in exercise of her treaty right to the proportion of 62 per cent. of total foreign imports. Where necessary, the attention of foreign Governments has been drawn to their obligations to keep their exports of bacon to this country within the prescribed limits, and they have been asked to take all necessary measures to this end. The arrangements with foreign countries are under revision and it is hoped that closer adherence to the programme will be secured in future.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTEDoes not the action of Denmark show how English agricultural interests are always prejudiced by foreign agreements?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANNo, they are not always prejudiced by foreign agreements. They are very often to their advantage.