HC Deb 26 March 1936 vol 310 c1416
90. Mr. CARTLAND

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the storage capacity of granaries in Great Britain; if filled, for how long would it be possible to supply our grain requirements without imports; and how much grain is being stored in granaries at the present time?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The total grain storage capacity of granaries in ports in Great Britain is estimated at 1,500,000 tons or roughly 10 weeks' supply; the total stock of wheat in port granaries at 1st March was estimated by the Corn Trade News at 214,000 tons.

Mr. CARTLAND

Is the right hen. Gentleman satisfied with the position, and, if not, will he make a survey of our requirements?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The question of food stores is under constant survey.

Mr. THORNE

Do these figures include the anticipated granary, the largest in the country, which is being established in Liverpool at the present time?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

No, Sir. It is only the available space, but I am hoping that it will be largely added to.

Mr. SANDYS

Does the right hon. Gentleman not consider that in the event of war breaking out and our communications being cut it is a small consolation to us to know that there is sufficient storage capacity when in point of fact our granaries are only a percentage full?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

Granaries cannot be an effective security against the risks of war unless they are full.