§ 50. Mr. SANDYSasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether steps are being taken to bring all matters relating to the maintenance in this country of adequate food supplies and raw materials into the framework of a coordinated scheme under a single Government Department?
§ Sir T. INSKIPIf, as I understand, my hon. Friend has in mind the establishment of a new executive Ministry, the answer is in the negative.
§ Mr. DONNERCan my right hon. Friend give an assurance that under present arrangements the question of increased production of foodstuffs is being examined?
§ Sir T. INSKIPYes. I have on previous occasions given such an assurance.
§ Mr. SANDYSIn view of the fact that my right hon. Friend seems to have misunderstood the question, can he say whether there is any intention on the part of the Government to bring these matters under one of the existing Government Departments?
§ Sir T. INSKIPAll these matters are under one existing Department—under the Committee of Imperial Defence.
§ 51. Mr. SANDYSasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether any steps have yet been taken to increase the amount of grain stored in the United Kingdom?
§ 53. Mr. LENNOX-BOYDasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether any decision of His Majesty's Government, based upon the conclusions of the special sub-committee of the Committee of Imperial Defence now examining the problems of our food supplies in the event of war, will be announced to the House prior to the Adjournment for the Summer Recess?
§ Sir T. INSKIPSubstantial progress has been made in the inquiry into food supply in time of war, but it has many aspects and each is the subject of thorough investigation. No final decision can be arrived at with regard to grain 1190 storage apart from decisions on other matters now under examination. Grain storage itself involves many factors such as location, transport, security and naturally market considerations. Much of the Committee's task is concerned with matters of organisation including the preparation of plans for the defence of trade and for the distribution of supplies through all stages to the consumer. I could, of course, should the House so desire, give an account of the work in progress, but I think it would probably be more convenient if I reserved my statement until the results of the inquiry can be given.
§ Sir J. NALLIs not the main thing to get the grain into this country, and will not the port authorities give every possible assistance once that principle is accepted?
§ Sir T. INSKIPI do not know what my hon. Friend means by saying "the main thing is to get the grain into this country." If grain is to be stored, it must either be produced in increased quantities or brought into the country. When a decision is arrived at on many of the matters to which I have referred, then will be the time to decide whether it is necessary to increase the storage of grain.
§ Sir J. NALLIs it not a fact that ample accommodation is not yet fully used, and as and when it is decided that it shall be used, will not the port authorities come to an arrangement with the Government and make use of the existing accommodation immediately?
§ Sir T. INSKIPThat is very true and, when a decision is arrived at, no doubt the co-operation of the port authorities will be available.
§ Mr. THORNEWhy all this anxiety? Have you any country in mind that will make an attack upon this country?
§ Mr. SANDYSAre we to understand from the reply of the right hon. Gentleman the advisability or not of storing large quantities of grain in this country is still undecided by the Government?
§ Sir T. INSKIPAs I have already said in my answer, if my hon. Friend will read it again, the ultimate answer to that question depends upon decisions on a number of other factors which are being closely investigated at the present time.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIn fact, therefore, apart from inquiry, nothing has been done?
§ Sir T. INSKIPNo, that is quite a mistake.