HC Deb 26 April 1939 vol 346 cc1136-7
46. Mr. T. Williams

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what quantities of bacon were held in stock on 1st April, 1928, and on the latest date for which figures are available; and how many days' or weeks' supply these figures constitute?

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. W. S. Morrison)

It is not in the national interests at the present time to disclose stocks of foodstuffs, but it is well known that bacon passes quickly into consumption and that the supplies available at any time do not usually exceed two or three weeks' requirements. No information is, I regret, available as to stocks in 1928.

Mr. Williams

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in view of the need for the storage of large stocks of such foods as bacon, his Department are taking steps to increase the imports of bacon?

Mr. Morrison

There are special difficulties in regard to the storage of bacon and other commodities—difficulties which are inherent in the commodities themselves. I am looking into the matter to see whether there is anything which can be done in regard to it.

Mr. Williams

Before the President of the Board of Trade determines what the future imports of bacon are to be, is the right hon. Gentleman expressing his view with regard to the need for storage of commodities of this kind?

Mr. Morrison

I have told the hon. Member recently that all these facets of Government policy are co-ordinated, but the mere importation of more bacon would not get over the difficulties inherent in the question of its storage.

Mr. J. Morgan

Would not an increase in the home production of bacon be an aid in this matter and is it not the fact that home production has seriously fallen?

Mr. Morrison

It is desirable that as much bacon as possible should be produced at home, but questions on that matter should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture.

47. Mr. J. Morgan

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the estimated annual cost of the subsidy on stored flour offered to bakers; and whether he will consider a similar arrangement to encourage the storage of feeding-stuffs on farms, as being a more satisfactory method of assisting the food supplies in a time of emergency?

Mr. Morrison

Payment will be made to bakers at the rate of £1 per ton per annum in respect of stocks in addition to those normally held. Without accepting the opinion expressed by the hon. Member in the second part of the question, I am in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries on this matter.

Mr. Morgan

Is that with a view to adopting a similar scheme for the agricultural storage of feeding-stuffs?

Mr. Morrison

Yes, Sir, with a view to seeing how far the scheme adopted in the case of flour storage, is applicable to this particular problem.