§ 81. Sir C. Osborneasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will set up a committee to investigate and report to him what steps should be taken to improve the efficiency of British methods, in view of the fact that the cost of converting wheat into flour is 28.6 per cent. in Holland, 29.6 per cent. in Germany, 35.6 per cent. in France and 41.1 per cent. in the United Kingdom; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsI do not think that my hon. Friend's comparison of120W milling costs is a valid one in view of the various differences among the countries selected. Milling in this country is a highly competitive industry which receives no protection apart from the 10 per cent. duty on foreign flour. I therefor see no reason to appoint a committee to inquire into its efficiency.