HC Deb 03 December 1936 vol 318 cc1437-8
75. Mr. DAY

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will make a statement as to the Government's policy with regard to the home production of foodstuffs and the measures it is proposed to take for the purpose of increasing these supplies?

Mr. W. S. MORRISON

I assume that the hon. Member has in mind the question of home production of foodstuffs as a Defence measure. As indicated in reply to previous questions, the whole question of appropriate measures to secure the food supply of this country in time of war is under review by the Committee of Imperial Defence, with whom my Department is in close touch. I am not, however, in a position to make any statement.

Mr. DAY

The right hon. Gentleman mentions time of war: will he answer the question with regard to time of peace?

Mr. MORRISON

That is a question of the general agricultural policy of the Government, and I will tell the hon. Member that from 1930 to the present time, agricultural production in England and Wales has increased by 20 per cent.

Mr. BURKE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Government's agricultural policy of restricting supplies has led to a continued advance in the price of bacon?

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