§ Commander BELLAIRS(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister what steps the Government are taking in the present dock dispute to secure the transport of foodstuffs?
§ Viscount CURZON(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether the right hon. Gentleman's attention has been drawn to the interference by picket of strikers on the 19th February with the removal of imported meat in cold storage in Smithfield Market by means of violence; whether this fact is not likely to seriously affect the food supplies of the people; whether in view of his statement on Monday last the Prime Minister can indicate what steps the Government have taken to secure the safe transport of the necessary food supplies, and what steps they have taken to form the necessary organisation required; and whether the Government are prepared to take steps to ensure protection of such men as may be willing to work in order to ensure adequate food supplies for the mass of the population who are unable to face a rise in prices.
§ Sir THOMAS INSKIP(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether the proposals under consideration by the Government for preventing rises in the price of food are ready for presentation to this House, and when they will be presented?
§ Mr. J. JONESBefore the Prime Minister replies to this question, may I ask if the Government are making any provision to protect the people of this country against mad motorists?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI understand that a separate question regarding the mails is to be addressed to the Postmaster-General. With reference to the question put by the right hon. Gentleman opposite, the proposals will be placed before the House without delay, if the need continues to exist. With reference to the question put by the Noble Lord (Viscount Curzon), the answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative and to the second part also in the affirmative. Regarding the other part of the question, the Government is pushing ahead with all the arrangements necessary, and is now in negotiations which it hopes to finish to-day, and which will make these arrangements effective.
§ Sir T. INSKIPAre we to understand that the need exists to-day, and if it continues to exist for another two or three days that these proposals will be at once introduced; and will the right hon. Gentleman say whether any notice will be 1753 given, and whether it is proposed to push such proposals through this House in all their stages in one day?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIf, say, in the course of to-morrow matters are arranged, obviously it would be unnecessary. But if the need continues, I hope the House will enable us to get what we require as emergency legislation.
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONWill these proposals come under the Emergency Powers Act, 1920?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat is a matter which is being explored, and no time is being lost to consider the best way to proceed.
§ Mr. PRINGLECan the Prime Minister tell us the nature of the post to which the Chancellor of the Duchy has been appointed, and under what Statute his powers are to be exercised?
§ Viscount CURZONMay I ask what negotiations are necessary with regard to the men willing to work to secure our food supplies? What negotiations are necessary in order to afford them protection?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThere are at least two ways that can be taken to handle the very difficult and delicate situation. There is one way which will mean more trouble and more bad blood. There is another way which means that an agreement may be come to that essential foodstuffs will be moved, and that is what we are negotiating upon at the present moment. I hope we shall succeed, but if we do not, then the statement I made last Monday will be carried out.
§ Sir K. WOODWill the right hon. Gentleman say with whom these negotiations are proceeding? He mentioned negotiations, but he did not state with whom?
§ Commander BELLAIRSIs the Prime Minister aware that h[...]e colleague the Home Secretary has stated to the electors that he expected an agreement to be reached last night, and will he state now when the agreement is likely to be reached, because he has afforded me no answer to my question about protection?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe position is perfectly clear. If hon. Members opposite are determined that no agreement 1754 is to be reached, then they may press such questions as these. I say that the matter is in hand, and that negotiations are being conducted—[HoN. MEMBERS: "With whom?"]—with everybody concerned. The negotiations are not in a position at the moment to be carried on with Parliament, but they are in hand, and they will be finished to-day, and after that the Government will be in a position to take the steps that it is determined to take in order to fulfil the pledges we have given.
§ Mr. PRINGLECan the right hon. Gentleman answer my question as to the nature of the position to which the Chancellor of the Duchy has been appointed, and the powers attached to that appointment?