HC Deb 09 November 1937 vol 328 cc1571-2
40. Sir Percy Harris

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give any explanation as to the exceptional rise in the price of butter; and whether he proposes to take any steps in the matter?

Mr. Stanley

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given yesterday to the hon. Member for Whitehaven (Mr. Anderson).

Sir P. Harris

In order to deal with the recognised shortage, which arises from drought and other causes, in the butter supplies from the Dominions, will the right hon. Gentleman consider trying to encourage more supplies from Denmark and other sources to make up the shortage, which is responsible for the exceptional increase in the price of butter?

Mr. Stanley

The hon. Baronet will realise that Denmark has guaranteed a minimum of exports of butter here, which at the present moment she is not reaching, and one of the difficulties has been the diversion of supplies from Denmark to Germany.

Mr. A. V. Alexander

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider taking off the duty on imported butter?

Mr. Stanley

The right hon. Gentleman knows that the duty has been on for five years. It could not be held to account for the rise during the last few weeks.

Mr. Thurtle

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform the House whether the Government are taking any supplies off the butter market at the present time for the purpose of creating a reserve against a national emergency?

Mr. Stanley

The hon. Member had better put that question on the Paper.

Mr. Stephen

Will the right hon. Gentleman use his influence with the Minister of Labour to increase the allowances to the unemployed, in view of the increased cost of butter:

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