§ 32. Mr. Hastingsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what imports of Russian barley took place during January of this year; and what is his policy with regard to such imports in the future.
§ Mr. HoyImport figures for January are not yet available but I understand that purchases reported last month were mainly for barley to be delivered later this year during the preharvest period. Barley may be imported from any country but the home market is safeguarded by the minimum import price arrangements.
§ Mr. HastingsIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there have been reports of imports as high as 110,000 tons in January of this year and that these have resulted in a fall in the home price of between 10s. and £1 a ton? Is he discounting this disturbing information?
§ Mr. HoyI am not discounting anything, but I will not seek to confirm or deny rumours. Our own industry is guaranteed by the minimum import price, and even if there were imports, they could not fall below that price.