§ Commander BELLAIRSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the prohibition of the import of hops has now been in force many months; whether he is aware that imports have come in under licence frequently since the prohibition, and that 1,889 cwts. were imported in the week ending 4th April; and whether he can say anything to allay the discouragement and disappointment caused to farmers by reason of these imports at a time when they have to make many sacrifices?
§ Mr. G. ROBERTSThe policy of the Board in regard to this matter is as stated in the reply which was given to the hon. and gallant Member in the OFFICIAL REPORT of 22nd February. The consignment referred to in the question is of Colonial origin, and was imported not in April but in November last, in pursuance of an under-taking given last summer. It appears in the April import returns, because it was not released from detention until the beginning of April, and then only after a prolonged inquiry had established the nature of the transaction.