HC Deb 24 February 1937 vol 320 cc1992-3
74. Mr. Lyons

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any decision has yet been reached with reference to the supply of fats for this country from Newfoundland and the maritime provinces of Canada, and the storage thereof; and whether any officer of the Board of Trade is or has been charged with any special duty in the matter?

Dr. Burgin

The question of supply of foods from all sources, including those to which my hon. and learned Friend refers, has been under close examination in relation to the Government's food defence plans. Apart from this, the reply to the last part of the question is in the negative.

78. Mr. De la Bère

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, as regards the food defence plan, it is now possible to have made available to Parliament a yearly or half-yearly report from the office dealing with the question of food supplies; and whether it will be possible for him to make some statement dealing with the work of the Department during the course of Debate?

Dr. Burgin

The Food (Defence Plans) Department has only been in existence for less than three months and the question whether it should make a periodical report will be considered in due course after further experience of its working has been gained. It will, however, be appreciated that much of the Department's work must remain confidential. There will no doubt be opportunities from time to time in the course of debate for the Government to furnish the House with such information as it may he possible to give.

Mr. Thorne

All the Departments are simply saying that the provision for food is adequate. Can the Parliamentary Secretary tell us whether more land is being brought into cultivation?

82. Mr. De la Bére

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, as in any future war food will be a primary consideration of defence, and in order that farmers may be encouraged to produce food by an assurance of reasonable profits, he will set up a special committee to examine the whole question with a view to securing both a profitable return to farmers and increased wages to farm labourers?

The Minister of Pensions (Mr. Ramsbotham)

I have been asked to reply. Every aspect of the problem of home food production in relation to national defence is already receiving the attention of His Majesty's Government, and my right hon. Friend does not think that any advantage would be gained in present circumstances by adopting my hon. Friend's suggestion.

Mr. De la Béoe

Is the hon. Member aware of the widespread discontent among the whole of the agricultural community?

Mr. Ramsbotham

I have heard nothing of the sort.