§ 47. Sir M. BARLOWasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the statements made by or on behalf of the Ministry of Food that there will be a great shortage of food during the coming months; whether the Cabinet have considered the matter of such shortage; and whether, if it is coming, he will take steps, as in war-time, to urge all the nation to grow more food?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am not aware of the particular statements to which my hon. Friend refers, but I do not anticipate any serious shortage of essential foodstuffs in this country during the coming months. I have, however, recently and repeatedly urged upon all food-producers the importance of increased production, and the necessary legislation to promote this end will shortly be introduced.
§ Sir M. BARLOWWill the Prime Minister undertake that some statement shall be issued similar to that which was issued during the War?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIf my hon. Friend means with regard to food production I did make a special appeal to agriculturists a short time ago, and I propose to repeat that to the Scottish agriculturists later on. I agree with him that it is very important that all those are who concerned with food production should exert their powers to the utmost.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENWould the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Food Controller is going to give a better quality of bacon, otherwise there will be plenty of it left over?