§ Sir S. CHAPMANasked the Minister of Agriculture what quantities and values of Algerian-grown potatoes have been imported into this country from the 1st January, 1930, to the present time, or the latest date that he can give; and the quantities and value in 1927, 1928, and 1929 for the corresponding period?
§ Mr. N. BUXTONIt is not possible to distinguish imports of potatoes according to country of origin. The following statement, however, shows the quantities and declared value of the imports of potatoes into the United Kingdom direct from Algeria during the two months of January and February of each of the years 1927 to 1930:
Year. January to February. Quantity. Declared Value. Cwts. £ 1927 … … 5,359 7,012 1928 … … 8,556 15,405 1929 … … 6,769 8,031 1930 … … 5,537 5,768
§ Sir S. CHAPMANasked the Minister of Agriculture if there are any international agreements in existence which would prevent the Government, if they so desired, prohibiting the importation of foreign potatoes; and, if so, if he will give the wording of such agreements, the date of the signature, and the date on which they expire?
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§ Mr. W. GRAHAMSuch a prohibition would be in conflict with the provisions of the International Convention for the abolition of Import and Export prohibitions and restrictions. The text of this instrument has been issued as a White Paper (Command 3502), and the hon. Member will find in that document information as to the various relevant dates. It would also conflict with the provisions of Article 10 of the Anglo-German Treaty of Commerce and Clause 3 of the Protocol thereto. The text of the Treaty and Protocol, which were signed on 2nd December, 1924, and can now be terminated by either party at any time at 12 months' notice, will be found in Command 2520. So long as either of these engagements remains in force no similar prohibition could be enforced against any other of the numerous countries, which are entitled to most-favoured nation treatment in respect of prohibitions of importation, by virtue of the treaties in force with the countries concerned.