§ Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAYasked the Prime Minister whether, having in view the changed conditions since the last Royal Commission was held, he will appoint a fresh Commission with a view to ensuring an adequate supply of food for the British people in time of war?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)As the hon. and gallant Member is aware the Royal Commission reported after a long and thorough investigation so recently as 1905; and I am not prepared, as at present advised, to recommend that a fresh inquiry should be undertaken.
§ Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAYMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if, as since the time the Royal Commission sat we have lost the two-power standard, he will not entrust the matter to the National Defence Committee?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe hon. and gallant Gentleman's question is based on a totally unfounded assumption.
§ Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAYIn view of the great improvement in foreign navies, will the right hon. Gentleman not reconsider the subject?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, Sir.