§ Sir P. HURDasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that Owing to the temporary character of the restrictions on the importation of meat the curers and others cannot offer better prices to British producers; and whether, in order to promote confidence in the industry and allow of the development of reorganisation schemes, he can now give an assurance of a continuation of the restriction of imports?
§ Major ELLIOT:I am fully aware of the importance of maintaining the recent improvement in the conditions of the meat market and, as I have informed the House, the Government have been giving close attention to the position that would arise if the present arrangements for the 1239W voluntary regulation of meat imports were allowed to lapse. The Government have accordingly decided that, in the general interests, negotiations shall be undertaken with a view to the continuance of these arrangements so far as may prove to be necessary. Discussions will begin forthwith, and I feel assured that the Government can count on the same ready co-operation as on the previous occasion.