§ 45. Mr. Shinwellasked the Prime Minister whether he will take an early opportunity of making a statement on the import and shipping position; and whether he will indicate what further sacrifices are necessary in order to produce the maximum effort from the civilian population?
§ The Prime MinisterIn my next statement to the House upon the progress of the war, I shall touch upon these vital matters, but not in a form which will give the enemy any information which would be valuable to them.
§ Mr. ShinwellHas my right hon. Friend observed that Mr. Tom Wickard, the American Secretary for Agriculture, has just made a statement in which he speaks of Great Britain as dipping into her food reserves? If the American public can be given that information, why cannot we be informed? [Interruption.] Would the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to give me an answer and not take any notice of the interruptions?
§ The Prime MinisterWell, Sir, I shall make a statement which will touch upon some aspects of this problem. It is quite true that we are dipping into our reserves, but we must take a view over a long period of months. I am not unduly anxious about the situation.
§ Mr. ShinwellDoes the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that my desire is not to convey information to the enemy but to indicate to the civilian population the need for facing sacrifices?
§ The Prime MinisterI think we are going to be able to get through pretty well on the lines on which we are now running, in the way of food.