HC Deb 02 April 1935 vol 300 cc179-80
18. Mr. EVERARD

asked 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 Commonwealth Ministers now in London are in a preliminary stage, and I am not at present in a position to make a statement.

Mr. EVERARD

If I put a question down this day week, will my right hon. Friend then be able to give me a reply?

Mr. THOMAS

I would prefer that my hon. Friend should ask me later.

Mr. RONALD ROSS

Will 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. THOMAS

I 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.