HC Deb 06 March 1935 vol 298 cc1947-9
Mr. HASLAM (by Private Notice)

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether his attention has been called to the recent announcement by the acting Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia regarding the proposals made by His Majesty's Government in Great Britain to His Majesty's Government in the Commonwealth as to imports of meat into the United Kingdom, and whether he is prepared to make a statement on the subject?

The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)

Owing to a misunderstanding the suggestions as to future policy in regard to the importation of meat which His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom recently communicated to the Commonwealth Government and to the other Governments concerned have been interpreted by the Commonwealth Government as including the maintenance of the restrictions upon foreign imports of meat laid down in the Ottawa Agreements, whereas what His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom had desired to convey was that they were prepared to agree, by general consent of those Governments that all restrictions upon the importation of meat should be removed and the position of the United Kingdom producer should be safeguarded by a levy upon all imports of meat with a preference to the Dominions. It is regretted that a misunderstanding should have occurred, but I am sure it will be agreed that a, discussion as to the causes of that misunderstanding would be profitless. The important thing is that it has now been cleared up. In order that the House may be fully informed as to the suggestions now under consideration and as to the reasons which prompted His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom to make them, a White Paper on the subject will be laid before the House forthwith.

Sir R. HAMILTON

When the right hon. Gentleman uses the word "levy" does he mean "duty"?

Mr. THOMAS

My hon. Friend will be able to see the exact situation set out in detail in the White Paper that will be available.

Mr. THORNE

Does that statement come into conflict with the views of the right hon. Gentleman the Minister of Agriculture?

Mr. THOMAS

On the contrary, it shows the unanimity of the Government on the matter.

Sir P. HARRIS

Has the right hon. Gentleman consulted the President of the Board of Trade about this levy; seeing that the President of the Board of Trade gave a pledge to the electors that he would not agree to a tax on meat?

Mr. THOMAS

The White Paper, which I am sure that the hon. Baronet will read with profit, includes the views of the President of the Board of Trade.

Mr. MANDER

Is it the same kind of unanimity as exists between the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary?