§ Mr. Morganasked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the losses of livestock producers in this country owing to the fact that Germany, which was until recently a large buyer of ox casings of raw gut, has now taken to the production of synthetic casing and prohibited all imports of the natural article; and whether, since such synthetic casings are now being imported into this country from Germany, it is proposed to take any steps to assist producers in this country?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonI am aware that there has been a heavy decline this year in the export of sausage casings to Germany. I am not aware that this decline is due to the prohibition of imports by the German Government, but I am making inquiries, and will communicate with my hon. Friend. Aggregate imports of casings into this country from minor suppliers, which include Germany, have declined appreciably during the current year.
The position of producers of fat cattle in this country is safeguarded by tariff and by subsidy, and also by the regulation of imports through the International Beef Conference. Casings represent only an insignificant fraction of the value of a fat beast. Both synthetic and animal casings are at present subject to the general 10 per cent. ad valorem duty, but it is open to the interests concerned to approach the Import Duties Advisory Committee if they consider that an increased duty is required.