67. Mr. De la Bèreasked the President of the Board of Trade to what minimum number of days' supply of wheat and flour the Government intend to work up in order to allay the alarm in the public mind owing to the present inadequate reserve of supplies?
§ The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Runciman)I am not at present in a position to make any statement with regard to the question of storing additional quantities of wheat and flour. I would, however, point out in connection with certain statements that have recently appeared in the Press, that according to my information, stocks of wheat and flour in this country are being maintained at the normal level of at least three months' supply.
Mr. De la BèreIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the widespread disquiet in the country owing to the feeling that there is not sufficient supply available in case of emergency?
§ Mr. MacquistenWill the right hon. Gentleman see that there is a plentiful supply of oats as well as wheat? Oats in Scotland are good for men and in England for horses.
48. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence, in view of the present condition of the agricultural industry and the uncertainties of the future, when he will be in a position to make a statement to the House regarding the Government's plans to protect the food supplies of this country in war-time?
§ Sir T. InskipI am not at present in a position to say when a further statement may be made as to the Government's plans for protecting food supplies in war time.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsCan the right hon. Gentleman say what his opinion is as to the condition of the agricultural industry at this moment?
§ Sir T. InskipThat is another question altogether.