§ 35. Mr. THORNEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will give a list of all the countries from which soya beans are imported and what is the price per ton?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEImports of soya beans into this country are con-signed mainly from the Kwantung Peninsula. During recent years, smaller imports have also been consigned from the Soviet Union, China, Japan and the United States of America. The average declared value of the imports during the year 1934 was about £5 14s. per ton.
§ Brigadier-General NATIONCan the soya bean be produced in any of our Colonies at the present time, and, if so, in what quantity?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEI think the matter can hardly be discussed at Question Time. There will be an opportunity later to-day for hon. Members to express any views on the subject.
§ 37. Mr. THORNEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the protests from the Hull seed crushers and the British oil and cake manufacturers in connection with the duty on soya beans; and whether he can state for what purpose the soya bean is used?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLERepresentations have been received on the subject and there will be an opportunity of discussing the matter to-day. Soya beans are used mainly as a source of oil for margarine and soap manufacture, and of cake and meal for the feeding of cattle.