HC Deb 20 December 1938 vol 342 cc2674-7
Mr. T. Williams

(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is now in a position to make any statement in regard to control of imports of mutton and lamb?

The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. W. S. Morrison)

The Government have had under constant review during the current year the situation of the home sheep industry. A number of factors, other than the influence of imported supplies, have operated during 1938 to depress the prices realised for home-produced sheep and lambs; and a return to more normal conditions, including an improvement in the price of wool and of the by-products of the slaughter of sheep, would help to restore prices to more satisfactory levels. It is considered, however, that this recovery would be accelerated by a closer control of imported supplies. This would be in the interests of all suppliers, and would introduce a very desirable element of confidence into the sheep market. In view of the large proportion of the supplies which comes from Australia and New Zealand, approaches have been made to the Governments of those Dominions with a view to the adoption of further measures to regulate imports of mutton and lamb to the United Kingdom market as from the beginning of 1939. As the House is aware, imports of beef and veal are already dealt with by means of consultation between representatives of the countries mainly concerned, and I am very glad to be able to announce that, following this precedent, and after considering the replies from the two Dominions mainly affected, it has been decided to enlarge the functions of the Empire Beef Council so that it may in future also consider supplies of mutton and lamb to the United Kingdom market. While the council would consider the supply situation as a whole, the United Kingdom Government would reserve to itself responsibility in regard to the regulation of imports from foreign countries.

It is intended, in order to ensure that effect is given to the council's conclusions and to continue the regulation of imports from foreign countries, to issue an order at an early date under the Livestock Industry Act, 1937, by which all imports of live sheep, mutton and lamb into the United Kingdom will, in future, be subject to licence. The licensing system will be such as to ensure that imports within the quantities recommended from time to time by the council are freely admitted. Special provision will be made for imports for which shipping space has already been booked. The application of the proposed system to imports from Eire is under discussion with representatives of that country. No interference with the normal course of the trade is contemplated pending con- sideration by the council. It is intended that the order should come into operation on 15th January, 1939. Opportunity will be provided for the discussion of the order by both Houses of Parliament, in accordance with the terms of the Livestock Industry Act, shortly after the Christmas Recess.

Mr. Williams

Do we understand, from the latter part of the right hon. Gentleman's reply, that, whatever recommendation the Beef Council may reach, in the last analysis this House will be the determining factor as regards regulation?

Mr. Morrison

The Order will have to be approved by an affirmative Resolution of this House, and therefore in that sense this House has the last say on the matter.

Mr. J. Morgan

Will a ceiling figure of quantity be imposed, as in the case of bacon?

Sir Joseph Lamb

Can the Minister say whether the large amount of stock now in store will be taken into account in fixing the early importations?

Mr. Morrison

That will be a matter for the Council.

Mr. Williams

As the price of wool is a very important factor in the price of mutton and lamb, will the Beef Council, when there is a return to reasonable prices, take that fact into consideration?

Mr. Morrison

Yes, Sir; as in the case of supplies of beef imported into this country, all the factors governing the market situation are considered by the Council from time to time as they arise.

Mr. J. Morgan

Is a ceiling figure to be taken to guide the Council, or will they adjust the supplies to a price position?

Mr. Morrison

The present practice is for the World Beef Conference to regulate supplies by quantity in accordance with their estimation of the power of the market to absorb them?

Sir M. Barclay-Harvey

Do I understand that on this proposed council foreign countries also will be represented?

Mr. Morrison

No, Sir, it is not at present the intention to include foreign countries, but His Majesty's Government do not consider such an arrangement to be ruled out as an eventual possibility.

Mr. Turton

Will my right hon. Friend consider including sheep within the ambit of the Livestock Industry Act?

Mr. Morrison

That is a larger question altogether.

Sir P. Harris

In working out his policy, has the right hon. Gentleman taken into consideration its effect on the export trade, or has this industry been isolated and considered apart from the general foreign trade policy?

Mr. Morrison

No, Sir. All these considerations are taken into account, but it is not the view of the Government that a proper regulation of supplies to this market can be anything but beneficial.

Mr. Buchanan

I understand that the regulations come into effect on 15th January. The right hon. Gentleman says the House of Commons has the last word; but will not the House of Commons meet to discuss the matter after the regulations have come into effect, and will it not be much more difficult for the House of Commons to reject anything after it has been operated? Will the right hon. Gentleman not delay the coming into operation of the regulations, so as to avoid this difficulty?

Mr. Morrison

The hon. Member is under a slight misapprehension as to the way in which this works. The Order will be in general terms, providing for further imports of sheep only on licence. The council will meet on 15th January to consider the making of regulations, and there will be ample time for the House of Commons to accept or reject the Order before it in fact becomes operative.

Mr. R. Gibson

In fixing licences for sheep, will special attention be paid to the fact that large numbers of sheep from the high-lying parts of Scotland are put on to the market towards the end of August and during the month of September?

Mr. Morrison

I have no doubt that all these matters will be given consideration.