§ 46. Mr. TREEasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the whole question of our defences being under review, he will consider setting up a committee to examine the position of our food supplies, with a view to ascertaining what proportion of those supplies should be homegrown, and to inquire into the available facilities for the storage of commodities in this country?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThese matters are constantly under review by His Majesty's Ministers, and I do not think it desirable to appoint a committee such as my hon. Friend suggests.
§ Mr. TREEIn view of the fact that such a very high percentage, not only of our foodstuffs, but also of our feeding stuffs, is imported, does not the Prime Minister think that this is a question of the greatest urgency, particularly in view of the fact that certain trade agreements will shortly be coming up for review?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat is another matter, and it is an extremely difficult one, in view of the considerations which have to be borne in mind in connection with our export trade. It is to maintain a balance that we are constantly striving. It is an extraordinarily difficult subject, and we have it under constant review.
§ Mr. BOOTHBYIs there any special committee of the Cabinet, or other committee, which is charged at the present moment with going into the question of the food supplies of this country as a whole?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIf my hon. Friend will be good enough to put down a question, I will give him exact information, but in the meat; time I can assure him that there is not a subject he could think of on which there is not a committee sitting.
§ 47. Mr. MANDERasked the Prime Minister whether he h is come to any decision with regard to the appointment of a Minister to take charge of supplies for the three Defence Services?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am sorry that here again I have to say "No, Sir."
§ Mr. MANDERDo I understand, from the right hon. Gentleman's answer, that the matter is still under the serious consideration of His Majesty's Government?
§ The PRIME MINISTEROf course, it is under consideration, but I do not think, myself, that in the very near future an answer can be given, because the whole problem of supply lies before us, and it is being examined now. it is difficult to say, until we see what its magnitude is, whether it will be necessary to take these steps.
§ Mr. GARRO-JONESCan the right hon. Gentleman say, if we go on at the present rate, how many Ministers there will be on the Front Bench by the end of this Session?