§ 47. Mr. Walkdenasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether, in view of the fact that gram when stored in bulk for long periods in this country is liable to develop mildew and other faults, he will consider the advisability of taking steps to get farmers to keep a good supply of wheat unthreshed until the summer months in each year to assist in ensuring adequate provision for bread-making in the event of an outbreak of war?
§ Sir T. InskipThe hon. Member's suggestion represents one of the possible methods of food storage, though it possesses definite disadvantages. On the general question of food storage I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Norwood (Mr. Sandys) on 27th January.
§ Sir John HaslamWould it not be a much more workable and feasible proposition to arrange with the bakery and grocery trades to hold larger stocks in their warehouses, and to use the well-aired granaries owned by the railway companies of the United Kingdom and also suitable warehouses which are standing empty at the present time?
§ Sir T. InskipThat, also, is a matter which is very presently under consideration by the Government.
§ Sir William WaylandIs it not the fact that hard wheat will keep in a granary at least 12 months without any change?