HC Deb 01 February 1938 vol 331 cc30-1
71. Mr. Parker

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether he has any statement to make on food storage?

The Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence (Sir Thomas Inskip)

I have no statement to make at the present time.

Mr. Parker

When can we have a straight answer to a straight question on this subject?

Mr. Sandys

Does the answer of the right hon. Gentleman mean that the Government have not yet reached a decision on the question of food storage?

Sir T. Inskip

That depends upon what my hon. Friend means by "decision." I can assure him that there is no desire on the part of the Government to postpone decision as soon as it can be taken, but the storage of food is a matter that must take its place in relation to other plans and to a certain number of preparatory measures.

Mr. De Chair

Is the right hon. Gentleman considering the extension of the food production of this country?

Sir Arthur Salter

Are we to understand from the answer of the right hon. Gentleman that the apparently inspired statement in the Press last week does not represent the view of the Government?

Sir T. Inskip

I do not know to what the hon. Gentleman refers as an inspired statement.

Mr. De la Bère

Is not the whole position very unsatisfactory?

Sir Archibald Sinclair

As the right hon. Gentleman told us last July that all the preparatory consideration had been given to the question and that it was ripe for decision then, can he explain why six months have elapsed and no decision has been taken?

Sir A. Salter

May I refer the right hon. Gentleman to the article which appeared in the "Daily Telegraph" towards the end of last week, and ask whether he can assure the House that when the Government are in a position to announce their decision he will see that the first communication comes to this House and is not in the form of a communication to the Press?

Sir T. Inskip

I have not seen the article to which the hon. Gentleman refers, but I can assure him that any such statement will most certainly be made to this House.

Mr. Gallacher

Has the Minister seen in the "Daily Worker" that the Government—[Interruption.]

Mr. Sandys

I beg to give notice that, in order to give my right hon. Friend an opportunity to make a fuller statement on this subject which is arousing public concern, I will raise the matter on the Adjournment to-morrow.

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