HC Deb 23 April 1914 vol 61 c1120W
Mr. STANIER

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he could give the amount of the bounty given by the German Government on wheat, oats, and any other corn exported?

Mr. BURNS

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. I am not aware of any bounties given by the German Government on the exportation of grain. The hon. Member may possbily have in mind the system whereby German exporters of flour are permitted to import duty free a corresponding amount of grain. Allegations have been made from time to time that the quantities of grain so allowed to be imported as equivalents for the quantities of flour exported are excessive, and the result in an indirect bounty on such flour; but even if this be still the case, it is not possible to state the amount of the indirect bounty which arises from the system.