§ Mr. CHRISTIEasked the Minister of Agriculture with regard to the telegram addressed by his Department to the hon. Member for South-West Norfolk with reference to the results of compulsory marketing in the Dominions and pub- 1867W lished on 1st November, whether he will give the figures on which the statements in the telegram were based, and say whether the marketing schemes in question cover domestic as well as export trade; and if he has made inquiries as to whether any bounty or subsidy is or has been payable from any source in connection with the exportation and transportation of the produce to which the statements in the telegram relate?
Imports and Values of Butter. (Year ending June 30th). — Quantity (Tons). London Wholesale Prices (per cwt.) 1914. 1926–29 % Increase. 1914 1926–29. s. d. Index. s. d. Index. Australia … 26,076 36,843 41 111 9 89.2 169 10 91.04 Denmark … 88,935 98,258 10.5 125 2 100 184 6 100
Imports into the United Kingdom of South African Fruit. Yearly averages for the periods 1921–23 1926–28 Grapes … … … … 16,812 41,724 Grape-fruit … … … … 5,177 16,505 Oranges … … … … 172,678 469,505 Peaches … … … … 5,767 13,111 Pears … … … … 25,309 65,911 Plums … … … … 4,343 13,504 Of the marketing schemes mentioned in the telegram, those under the Australian Dairy Export Control Act and the South African Fruit Control Act 1925 refer to export trade only but the Queensland schemes cover both domestic and export trade and primarily the former. So far as I am aware, no Government bounty or subsidy has been payable in connection with any of the schemes referred to.