OTTAWA BILL

Southland Times, Issue 21854, 3 November 1932, Page 5

OTTAWA BILL

HOUSE OF COMMONS ■ LABOUR AMENDMENT DEFEATED THE MEAT QUESTION (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 7 p.m.) London, November 1. The committee stages of the Ottawa Agreements Bill were proceeded with in the House of Commons to-day. Mr Rhys Davies (Labour) moved that the restrictions on the importations of frozen and chilled meat should also fix the retail prices. Dr E. L. Burgen, Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade, replying said that provision was already made against an insufficiency of supplies. The Board of Trade hoped the industry itself would realize that it was better to submit to regulations of its own than have Government regulations forced upon it. Mr L. S. Amery (Conservative) said the whole meat decision at Ottawa reflected little credit on the Government’s foresight and courage. They should have concerned themselves primarily with the defence of British agriculture, which for such help as it received had to thank the dominions rather than the British representatives. Mr Neville Chamberlain said he was convinced that the Ottawa agreembnts were the only way to secure stability in the live stock industry in Britain. Earl Winterton (Conservative) said that farmers were facing a situation graver than existed for a century. It was common talk of the lobbies that the only reason the Government adopted the quota system instead of a tariff was a Cabinet member’s opposition to tariffs. Members: Who is he? Earl Winterton: A member of one of the Liberal parties. Mr Percy Harris (National Liberal) said he would reveal the Minister’s identity. He was Mr Walter Runciman who had given a pledge to his constituents that he would permit the quota instead of an honest duty. English and Scottish farmers were on the brink of collapse. Quick action was needed to assist agricultural interests in connection with live stock. The amendment was defeated by 302 votes to 65.