§ 53. Mr. Turtonasked the Minister of Agriculture what was the allocation for the 1937 imports of mutton and lamb from Australia and New Zealand; what was the actual quantity of these imports in 1937; and what is the anticipated quantity of such imports during 1938?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonThe total allocation to Australia and New Zealand for imports of frozen mutton and lamb in 1937 was 5,910,000 cwts. and actual imports from those Dominions in that year 1336 amounted to 5,486,000 cwts. It is anticipated that imports during the current year will not exceed 5,500,000 cwts.
§ 54. Mr. Turtonasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the prevailing low price for fat sheep and lambs and the increased numbers offered for sale during the past six weeks, he will represent to the Governments of Australia and New Zealand the urgent necessity that they should drastically reduce, during the next three months, their shipment of mutton and lamb to this country?
§ Mr. MorrisonI would refer my hon. Friend to my statement during the Debate on the Address on 15th November, to which I have at present nothing to add.
§ Mr. TurtonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the farmers of this country are waiting with considerable anxiety for action to be taken to help their industry?
§ Mr. MorrisonI can only refer my hon. Friend to the statement I made as to the effect of imports upon prices.