HC Deb 25 February 1936 vol 309 c231
23. Mr. LIDDALL

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the increase in imports of butter from Holland since 1933 has amounted to 318,000 cwts., and of eggs from the same country since 1934 from 944,000 great hundreds to 2,679,000 great hundreds; and whether he will denounce the trade agreement with Holland in order to protect British agriculture from this competition?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I am aware of the facts. The exchange of notes of 20th July, 1934, with Holland provides for the limitation of imports from Holland in the event of a quota being established for imports of any class of goods into the United Kingdom. It would not be necessary, therefore, to denounce the agreement to put into operation a system of quotas applicable to butter and eggs.

Mr. H. G. WILLIAMS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the quotas proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture have been ignored by the Netherlands authorities?