§ 47. Commander BOWERasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether steps are being taken to ensure that, in the event of a European war, cargoes of foodstuffs and raw materials, at present dependent on the special disembarkation, storage, and distribution facilities of the Port of London, can be dealt with at western ports?
§ Sir T. INSKIPA committee has been dealing with this question among others connected with the distribution of imports, and plans are being prepared.
§ Commander BOWERIs it not a fact that, were we to be deprived of the facilities of the Port of London, it would be impossible to disembark and distribute our essential foodstuffs, and can my right hon. Friend give an assurance that this will be regarded as a matter of most urgent importance?
§ Sir T. INSKIPI can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that I am well aware of the urgency of such questions that he raises. If we were deprived of the advantage of the Port of London other facilities would be available.
§ Sir JOSEPH LAMBDoes not my right hon. Friend realise the desirability of producing as much as we can at home?