§ 40. Major DORMAN-SMITHasked the Minister of Agriculture what communications passed between His Majesty's Government and the Milk Marketing Board before taking a decision that there 21 is to be no tax on exports to Britain of Dominion butter and other dairy produce; and, in view of the fact that the milk marketing scheme was adopted on the definite understanding that imports of milk products would be controlled, what action he proposes to take to enable the Milk Marketing Board to continue to function?
§ Mr. ELLIOTNo decision has been taken that there is to be continued free entry for imports of butter and other dairy produce from Dominion sources. I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the statement of policy of 25th July, 1935, and to the replies given on 9th July, 13th July and 14th July, 1936, to questions by the hon. Member for Bradford, Central (Mr. Leach), of which I am sending him copies.
§ Major DORMAN-SMITHCan we take it that there is no foundation for the published statement which has been attributed to Dr. Earle Page that there is, in fact an understanding that there shall be no duties on Dominion dairy produce coming into this country?
§ Mr. ELLIOTThere is no understanding as far as I am concerned, and I believe that I should have been consulted in the matter.