HC Deb 27 February 1896 vol 37 c1264
MR. H. SETON-KARR (St. Helens)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury, whether the Government will, in view of the admitted inadequate production of food supplies within the area of the United Kingdom in relation to the population, appoint a Select Committee of this House to consider the advisability of erecting State granaries for the storing of at least a year's supply of wheat for the United Kingdom, and generally to inquire into and consider means whereby such inadequate food production may be met?

MR. R. A. YERBURGH (Chester)

asked whether the question of national defence was involved in this subject, the right hon. Gentleman would intrust the Inquiry to some body upon which the military and naval authorities would be represented.

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

I think it might be desirable that the opinion of military experts should be expressed in such a tribunal; but as at present advised Her Majesty's Government do not think that such an Inquiry could lead to a useful result.

MR. SETON-KARR

asked whether, as the right hon. Gentleman was about to deprive him of the Friday upon which he had intended to bring forward a Motion on this subject, his right hon. Friend would undertake to give him other facilities for effecting his purpose.

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

I think that probably in the ordinary course opportunities will be afforded to my hon. Friend.