HC Deb 26 February 1930 vol 235 cc2228-30
32. Mr. DOUGLAS HACKING

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the diffi- culties in the way of purchasing British meat and wheat for the requirements of the Navy and thus carry out the Government instruction to buy British goods?

The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. A. V. Alexander)

The difficulties in regard to meat are the same as those which for nearly 4½ years prevented the last Government from adopting the course desired by the right hon. Gentleman. Certain trials of National Mark all-English flour are being carried out in connection with naval shore establishments.

Mr. HACKING

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Conservative Government did make an arrangement?

Mr. ALEXANDER

I am aware that there was a decision made upon the eve of the General Election, but I am not sure that decisions made under those circumstances are the best.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Was it not a death-bed repentance?

Mr. HASLAM

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the introduction of a percentage of British wheat into the loaves used is an economy?

Mr. ALEXANDER

I have already said that trials of National Mark all-English flour are being carried out in the naval shore establishments.

Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGE

Ought not the right hon. Gentleman's Department to be setting a good example to private firms in this country?

Mr. ROSBOTHAM

Is not a certain percentage of British wheat being used?

Mr. ALEXANDER

A certain percentage of such wheat is being used in such departments.

49. Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTE

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the letter issued by the Minister of Agriculture on the subject of British-mark beef, and whether he is now prepared to arrange for the issue of home-produced meat to forces serving at home?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Ramsay MacDonald)

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. In regard to the last part, I have nothing to add to previous replies on this subject.

Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that those replies are quite unsatisfactory, and will he do something to help the Minister of Agriculture to encourage the sale of British meat?

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