49. Mr. V. Adamsasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether he is aware that the supply of essential foodstuffs available on this Island does not exceed the volume requisite for a few weeks; and whether he proposes to repair this deficiency by a large-scale system of storage?
§ The Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence (Sir Thomas Inskip)I cannot accept my hon. Friend's estimate that the quantity of essential foodstuffs available in this country does not exceed the 916 volume requisite for a few weeks. As I stated in the Debate on 27th July, the question of storage, including the cost of any plan, has required consideration as part of the general scheme of defence and in relation to other requirements and their cost. I am not able at present to add to this statement.
Mr. AdamsIs it not true of wheat, that there is only about 13 weeks' supply in the country, and is not this one of the most vital aspects of Defence?
§ Sir T. InskipNo, Sir, that is not the case.
Mr. AdamsCan the right hon. Gentleman say what supply of wheat is, on the average, kept in the country?
§ Sir T. InskipThe hon. Gentleman asked me a question as to the supply of essential foodstuffs now available in this Island, and I have given him the answer.
Mr. DavidsonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that during the past year pastoral or crop producing in Scotland has decreased?
§ Sir Arthur SalterDoes the right hon. Gentleman recognise that a great deal of time has elapsed since the establishment of the Food (Defence Plans) Department, and that it is high time that a decision should be arrived at on the main principle of this vitally urgent problem?
§ Sir T. InskipI am well aware of the importance and attraction of a food storage policy, but when we are spending enormous sums to make the Defence of this country such as to secure to us our safety, we have to consider the whole cost of every scheme in the general plan of Defence as a whole.
§ Mr. SandysIn view of the importance of this matter, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of making an early statement as to what the Government's policy is towards food supplies and food storage in relation to Defence?
§ Mr. LyonsHas a decision yet been arrived at in connection with the storage of wheat in this country in elevators?
§ Sir T. InskipThe Government undoubtedly will make a statement as soon 917 as an answer to this and a number of connected questions can be announced in the House.
§ Mr. G. GriffithsIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are thousands of old age pensioners who have not a half-day's supply?