§ 47. Mr. HACKINGasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the Government's requests to chambers of commerce, trade associations and local authorities, as expressed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Minister of Health, to buy British goods, Cabinet instructions will be given to the First Lord of the Admiralty, the Secretary of State for War, and the Secretary of State for Air to purchase British meat and wheat for the future requirements of the Navy, Army, and Air Force?
§ The PRIME MINISTERRegarding the use of flour, I would refer the right hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture on the 10th instant. As regards meat, I am unable to add to previous statements which have been made on this subject.
§ Mr. HACKINGIs it not desirable that the Government should make an exception to their usual rule and carry out in practice what they preach?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI can assure the right hon. Gentleman that our usual rule is a very sound one.
§ Captain Sir WILLIAM BRASSAre we to understand that it is the desire of the two right hon. Gentlemen who are 1571 mentioned in the question that British foodstuffs should foe excluded from the diet of these Services?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, that is a profound mistake.
§ Mr. STEPHENCan the Prime Minister say whether there is any difference in policy in this respect between the present Government and the last Government which gave similar advice?