HC Deb 21 April 1926 vol 194 cc1209-10
58. Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGE

asked the Secretary of State for War if his attention has been called to the Report of the wheat-breeding investigations at the Plant Breeding Institute at Cambridge and the statement in the Report that the all-British loaves made from certain classes of English wheat are in no way inferior to those consisting of flour from imported wheats; and whether he will encourage home production by placing contracts for home-grown flour?

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

May I draw your attention, Mr. Speaker, to Question 58, and ask whether it is not straining rather far the rules on putting questions. If this question be accepted, the report of any scientific society may be used on which to base a question to the Air Ministry or any other Government Department on a matter outside the purview of this House.

Mr. SPEAKER

I am much obliged to the hon. and gallant Member for his assistance. I will bear in mind what he says in regard to other questions.

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Captain Douglas King)

I have not yet seen the Report in question, but am obtaining it I will consider having a trial made at an Army bakery with some of the home-grown flour referred to. Should the result justify the claim made, I am prepared to consider the question of placing contracts for home-grown flour, provided that the millers are in a position to supply the quantities required at a satisfactory price.