§ 34. Captain RAMSAYasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that experiments over a number of years have proved that excellent tobacco can be grown in this country, but that at present growers are hampered by restrictions, charges, and inspections; and whether, in order to encourage would-be growers, he will receive representations on the subject with a view to facilitating tobacco growing?
§ Mr. ELLIOTThe question of tobacco growing in this country was exhaustively considered in 1923 by a committee appointed by the Treasury. The committee, whose report was issued as a Command Paper (No. 1983) in that year, came to the conclusion that only a low-grade article would be grown generally in Great Britain. With regard to the regulations which growers of tobacco are required to observe, I may refer my hon. Friend to the reply to the question put by him on 25th October last.
§ Captain RAMSAYCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether these restrictions were at the instigation of his Department or the Revenue Department? Will the right hon. Gentleman receive further representations on the subject?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI am always willing to receive any further representations which the hon. and gallant Member wishes to put before me.