HC Deb 02 June 1938 vol 336 cc2236-7
73. Sir Percy Hurd

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will now give effect to the principle underlying the Ottawa Agreement that a first place should be given to the home producer in his home market and thus make room and ensure fair prices for the increased home production of mutton and lamb?

Mr. Ramsbotham

As my right hon. Friend has already announced, consultations with regard to the quantities of mutton and lamb to be imported in the current year are proceeding with representatives of Governments of the Commonwealth of Australia and of New Zealand, from which countries over 80 per cent, of our imports of this class of meat are received. In these consultations the principle to which my hon. Friend refers is being fully borne in mind.

Mr. Turton

While these consultations are proceeding will my hon. Friend secure that the imports of mutton and lamb are not increased?

Mr. Ramsbotham

All the relevant considerations will be borne in mind.

Mr. De la Bère

Is not the whole matter heart-breaking?

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