HC Deb 31 March 1936 vol 310 cc1819-21
46. Mr. DONNER

asked the Prime Minister whether an opportunity will be given to discuss the question of grain storage in relation to National Defence?

47. Mr. LENNOX-BOYD

asked the Prime Minister whether during the period of his chairmanship of the Committee of Imperial Defence, steps have been taken to increase the facilities for grain storage in this country?

50. Mr. CARTLAND

asked the Prime Minister whether in view of the fact that the position of our food supplies and the facilities for the storage of commodities in this country are constantly under review by His Majesty's Ministers, he will indicate whether any conclusions have been arrived at; and whether it is proposed to take any action in the immediate future?

The PRIME MINISTER

The position of storage facilities is kept under constant review and I understand that in recent years there has been an increase of grain storage at ports in this country. The provision of storage facilities is not a matter in regard to which the Government have hitherto had reason to intervene. An opportunity for the discussion of this subject will no doubt occur in the normal course of business, and I fear in the present state of public business, the Government cannot provide a special opportunity for a debate.

Mr. DONNER

Will the Prime Minister give an assurance that the amount of grain storage in this country will be immediately increased, in view of the fact that it would not last for more than 10 days, at a time when the peace of Europe is very uncertain?

Sir FRANK SANDERSON

Will my right hon. Friend give an assurance that he will reconsider the scheme I put to him last May?

Mr. SANDYS

Before the Prime Minister replies, might I ask whether he is aware that the President of the Board of Trade informed the House on 26th March that granaries cannot be an effective security against the risks of war unless they are full, and that on the same occasion the right hon. Gentleman informed the House that our granaries were only full to the extent of one-seventh of their capacity? How does he propose to remedy that position?

The PRIME MINISTER

I think the House would welcome a debate on that subject, and I have said an opportunity will arise in the normal course of business.

Mr. DONNER

Could we have an assurance of immediate action?

Mr. MAXTON

Will the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence examine it?