§ Mr. De CHAIRasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that imports of barley have doubled in the last month; and, since this is due to importers anticipating a rise in the duty on barley, whether he can take any steps to check this pre-duty increase in imports of barley, which threatens to depress still further the market for home-grown barley?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI am aware that the quantity of barley imported in January, 1936, was double the quantity imported in January, 1935, but imports in January,684W 1936, were less than in the preceding month and less than in January, 1934. So far as I am aware, there are no grounds for thinking that the increased importation is due to the reason given by my hon. Friend, but in any case, I have no power to take the steps he suggests.