§ 59. Mr. SANDYSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in order to reduce the magnitude of essential imports in time of war, His Majesty's Government are taking steps to provide facilities for storing large supplies of grain and oil in this country?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Dr. Burgin)My hon. Friend may rest assured that questions of this character receive due consideration.
§ Mr. SANDYSCan my hon. Friend say whether any actual construction work has been begun in this connection?
§ Dr. BURGINThe matter with regard to oil was dealt with fully in an answer given by the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Paisley (Mr. Maclay) on 26th February, and with regard to grain, which is a Board of Trade responsibility, the storage facilities are adequate.
§ Mr. SANDYSCan my hon. Friend assure us that, in view of the present shortage of naval ships, his Department will do all they can in this way to limit as far as possible all calls upon the Navy in time of war for convoy purposes?