§ 39 and 41. Mr. Bossomasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he is satisfied with the progress being made by the Anglo-Argentine Meat Investigation Committee appointed in February, 1935; and when was the last report received;…
(2) what is the monthly British share of the costs of the Anglo-Argentine Meat Investigation Committee appointed in February, 1935; and for how many months have such payments been made?
§ Captain WallaceI understand that the committee, from time to time, have met with considerable difficulties in obtaining the information which they desired, and this has necessarily prolonged the inquiry. I hope, however, that it will not be long before they are in a position to make a final report to the two Governments. The committee have made from time to time confidential reports on incidental matters connected with their inquiry. The last of these was received about a year ago. The average monthly share of the cost of the committee so far incurred by His Majesty's Government has been approximately £300. It is 28 months since the committee was appointed.
§ Mr. BossomCan my hon. and gallant Friend state whether the British taxpayer or the British farmer is getting any benefit from this investigation, now that the Anglo-Argentine treaty has been completed?
§ Captain WallaceNot without notice.
§ 40. Mr. T. Smith (for Mr. T. Williams)asked the President of the Board of Trade the difference, in cwts., of the amount of beef and veal imported from the Argentine and Uruguay for the first five months of 1936 and 1937?
§ Captain WallaceThe particulars for the first five months of 1937 are not yet available, but during the four months ended April, 1937, the aggregate quantity of beef and veal imported into the United Kingdom and consigned from the Argentine and Uruguay amounted to 3,205,252 cwts. compared with 3,076,644 cwts. during the corresponding period of 1936.