§ 15. Major DORMAN-SMITHasked the President of the Board of Trade whether His Majesty's Government have agreed or propose to agree that Dominion agricultural exports to this country should not be taxed on arrival; and, if so, which is the Dominion concerned and in respect of what commodity?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANIn the case of meat, the proposals at present under discussion with the Dominions concerned do not provide for any duty on Dominion beef, mutton or lamb. As regards butter and cheese, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which was given to him yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. If my hon. and gallant Friend has other commodities in mind and will let me know what they are, I shall be glad to inform him as to the present position.
§ Major DORMAN-SMITHIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the statement has been made by the Premier of the Dominion of Australia that there is an understanding with regard to dairy products?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANNo, I have not seen any statement to that effect made by the Australian Government.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSWill the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that, should such an agreement be entered into, the House will be the first place in which an announcement will be made?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI shall have to consult the Australian Ministers about that.
§ Lieut. - Colonel ACLAND - TROYTEWill the agricultural community be consulted before any agreement is entered into?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe agricultural point of view is being kept fully in mind.
§ Lieut. - Colonel ACLAND - TROYTEWill they be consulted?