46. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether a final decision has been reached by the sub-committee of the Committee of Imperial Defence regarding the scheme for the safeguarding of food supplies in the event of an emergency?
§ Sir T. InskipA good deal of progress has been made by the Departments concerned in conjunction with the Committee of Imperial Defence in working out plans for safeguarding food supplies in time of war. Such plans, however, even when complete, must remain subject to constant review to meet changes in circumstances. It is not a matter in which any final decision is contemplated.
Mr. DavidsonIs it not a fact that no action has been taken by this sub-committee to take over land presently held by private landowners in Scotland for deer forests, and which could be used for agriculture?
§ Mr. SpeakerMr. Ellis Smith.
Mr. DavidsonOn a point of Order. May I ask for your guidance, Mr. Speaker? May I ask exactly how you have ruled my supplementary question out of order?
§ Mr. SpeakerIt had nothing to do with the question on the Paper.
Mr. DavidsonMay I point out respectfully that the question deals with the action of the sub-committee and that I asked the Minister whether the sub-committee had done one particular thing or not; and I submit, with all due respect, that my supplementary question was entirely in order?
§ Mr. SpeakerThat is a matter for me to decide.