HC Deb 26 February 1935 vol 298 cc934-5
27. Mr. GLOSSOP

asked the President of the Board of Trade the quantity of flour imported from foreign countries during the last three months for which figures are available; and similar figures for the corresponding periods in 1932 and 1933?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

During the three months ended January, 1935, the imports of wheat meal and flour consigned from foreign countries amounted to 658,000 cwt. The corresponding figure for the period ended January, 1933, was 461,000 cwt. and for that ended January, 1934, 784,000 cwt.

Mr. GLOSSOP

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the considerable concern caused in agricultural circles as a result of the increased importation of flour and meal in the last 12 months, and would it not be desirable to import the wheat into this country and to mill it here so that farmers could have the benefit of the offal?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

It is desirable that there should be as much flour and, may I add, as much offal available for our internal purposes as possible.

Mr. PIKE

Will my right hon. Friend direct his last reply to the activities in this commodity by the co-operative societies?

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