§ Commander BELLAIRSasked the Minister of Agriculture how it came about that 72,497 cwts. of hops in 1924 and 83,411 cwts. in 1925 were imported from the United States of America; and how much of this importation was subjected to duty?
Mr. GUINNESS:Brewers need to use a certain proportion of foreign hops, and hops from the Pacific slope are particularly suitable for this purpose. Prior to and during the early years of the Hop Control this proportion of foreign hops amounted to about one-third of brewers' total requirements, but for the last two years of the control this proportion was reduced to one-sixth. The importation of hops on a reasonable scale was, therefore, licensed by the Hop Controller. Foreign hops were only allowed to enter the country when there appeared to be an expectation that they would be taken into consumption at an early date, in conformity with the Hop Controller's Regulations.
Of the 83,411 cwts. of hops imported in 1925, 16,164 cwts. came in after the termination of the control, of which 13,335 cwts. had borne duty by the 31st December, 1925. Hops imported before the termination of the control were not liable to duty.