§ 36. Sir A. Hurdasked the President of the Board of Trade if the further discussions he has had with the Russians 597 and other shippers of barley to the United Kingdom market satisfy him that the forward contracts they have made at prices below the £20 a ton minimum will not seriously depress the barley market in the next few months, when the bulk of the home crop will be coming forward; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MaudlingI do not expect that sales under existing contracts will be more than the market can reasonably absorb.
§ Sir A. HurdIs my right hon. Friend aware that the trade quotations are now being offered on Russian barley to be delivered in September and October at well below the £20 basic figure? Will he confirm that he is determined, either by agreement with the suppliers or by imposing an import duty, to stop the dumping of Russian barley?
§ Mr. MaudlingI am satisfied with the arrangements we have come to. I hope to be able to give more information in a few days' time.
§ Mr. BullardIs my right hon. Friend aware that the home crop is already beginning to be marketed, and not at a very good price. Although the actions he has taken are much appreciated, may I ask him to look at the whole question of the dumping of imports into this country and their effect on farm prices?
§ Mr. MaudlingI agree with my hon. Friend that this is a big problem which certainly merits study.