Duchess of ATHOLLasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that French flour has been recently quoted on the market at from 11s. 9d. to 12s. 9d. per sack of 280 lbs. c.i.f., and Italian flour at 7s. 9¾d. per sack of 280 lbs.; by what form of State aid the cheapness of these imports is facilitated; and, in view of the fact that these importations are creating a serious situation for the milling industry, what action does he propose to take?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEI am aware of quotations for French and Italian flour similar to those mentioned by the Noble Lady. I do not know of any system of subsidy on the export of flour in either France or Italy. The Import Duties Advisory Committee have under consideration an application for an increased duty on imported foreign flour.