§ 18. Mr. EVERARDasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is in a position to make a statement on the negotiations with the Dominion of Australia regarding meat imports into this country
The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)The discussions with the 180 Commonwealth Ministers now in London are in a preliminary stage, and I am not at present in a position to make a statement.
§ Mr. EVERARDIf I put a question down this day week, will my right hon. Friend then be able to give me a reply?
§ Mr. RONALD ROSSWill the right hon. Gentleman be able to make any compensatory restrictions, in view of the increase in the number of cattle coming from the Irish Free State as a result of the coal-cattle pact?
Mr. THOMASI do not agree. The restriction in the case of the Irish Free State is a restriction due to political reasons, and if happily, as I hope may be the case some day, a settlement were arrived at, there would be an entirely different figure. I do not accept at all the statement about the increase in the number of cattle coming from the Irish Free State under the agreement. I think it was a satisfactory agreement.