HC Deb 07 August 1912 vol 41 cc3154-5
47. Mr. C. BATHURST

asked whether any steps have been, or are proposed to be, taken to carry out the unanimous and earnest recommendation of the Royal Commission on the Supply of Food and Raw Material in time of War, that steps should be taken for the more satisfactory ascertainment of the actual stock of wheat and flour held in this country; and, if so, what these steps are?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. As I stated in answer to a similar question addressed to me by the hon. Member for North Shropshire on the 18th March last, the position in regard to the stocks of wheat and flour in the country is carefully watched, but it is not desirable in the public interest to give further particulars.

48. Mr. C. BATHURST

asked whether any steps have been taken to carry out the unanimous recommendation of the Royal Commission on the Supply of Food and Raw Material in time of War, that, having regard to the importance of complete preparation being made in peace to provide for the exigencies of sudden war, a small expert committee should be appointed without delay to investigate the proposed system of national indemnity of ship-owners against loss from capture by the enemy of foodstuffs in time of war; and, if not, whether, in view of the present greater danger of such exigencies arising and of the provisions of the Declaration of London, the Government will now take steps to carry out such recommendation?

The PRIME MINISTER

The matter has already been examined by the Committee on a national guarantee for the war risks of shipping which reported to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury in 1908 [see Cd. 4161, 1908], and the question is still receiving careful consideration, in the light of recent developments, by a Sub-committee of the Imperial Defence Committee presided over by my right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty.

Mr. PETO

Is it likely that the right hon. Gentleman will be able to make any statement to the House when it reassembles as to what effective steps are going to be taken in this matter?

The PRIME MINISTER

I cannot give any such undertaking, nor am I altogether sure that it would be in the public interest.