HC Deb 19 February 1930 vol 235 cc1361-2
35. Mr. DOUGLAS HACKING

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the recent Government instruction to all Departments of State to buy British goods, it is his intention in future to purchase British meat and wheat for the Navy?

Mr. ALEXANDER

I am unable to recommend any departure from the decision already announced. The difficulties in the way of adopting the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion have not changed.

78. Mr. HACKING

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the recent Government instruction to all Departments of State to buy British goods, it is his intention in future to purchase British meat and wheat for the Royal Air Force?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Mr. Montague)

The meat and flour requirements for the Royal Air Force at Home are obtained through the agency of the War Office and the replies given and to be given to questions in regard to the supply of such commodities to the Army can be regarded as applicable also to the Royal Air Force.

Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMS

Are we to conclude that the Air Force is behind the Army in regard to the use of British meat and British wheat?

Mr. MONTAGUE

I would rather see the Air Force as good as the Army in this respect.

Captain CAZALET

Is any English wheat or English meat being used at the present time?

Mr. MONTAGUE

Yes, I think that some proportion of both English wheat and English meat is used in the Royal Air Force.

Mr. LEACH

Are the Government not carrying out the policy of their predecessors?

Mr. MONTAGUE

I think the answer is in the affirmative.

Mr. HACKING

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that the late Government gave instructions to the Departments that they should purchase British goods, and is it not a fact that the War Office and the Air Force are not carrying out those instructions?

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