§ 80. Mr. Parkerasked the President of the Board of Trade what steps are being taken to build up local emergency supplies of food to be available in war time; and whether individual families are being encouraged and assisted to establish supplies of their own?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Captain Euan Wallace)As regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Leeds, West (Mr. V. Adams) on 3rd November by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence. The answer to the second part is in the negative.
§ Sir Arthur SalterIn view of the fact that a full year has elapsed since the creation of the Food Defence Plans Department, is it not high time that the Government should be in a position to take a decision at least on the main principle of food storage?
§ Captain WallaceIf the hon. Member will look at the answer given on the date referred to, he will see that a large number of questions and answers have been exchanged on the subject which, I think, goes to the root of the matter.
§ Sir A. SalterWith great respect, does the Minister suggest that that answer indicates that the Government have taken a decision on the main question of principle?