§ MR. JOHN HUTTON (Yorkshire, Richmond)I beg to ask the First Lord 451 of the Treasury whether the Government have further considered the question of the food supply of this country in case of war with a naval Power; whether it has been reported upon by the Joint Naval and Military Committee on Defence; and, if not, whether he will undertake that the matter shall be referred to them, or to a Select Committee of this House.
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,E.) Manchester,This subject is one which, of course, engages the constant attention of the Admiralty. They are of opinion that it turns mainly upon the strength of the Fleet; and therefore I do not know that anything would be gained by the inquiry which my hon. friend desires.