§ 41. Mr. Lewisasked the President of the Board of Trade upon what date the Food (Defence Plans) Department was set up; and how many persons are now being employed in that Department?
43. Mr. De la Bèreasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now able to make some statement regarding the progress made by the Food (Defence Plans) Department; and what the main position is in this matter?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Captain Euan Wallace)The Food (Defence Plans) Department was established in December, 1936. Its headquarters staff consists at the present time of 80 persons in all, including messengers, typists and clerks. In addition, a divisional food organisation has recently been set up throughout Great 228 Britain. The divisional food officers and their assistants are giving part-time service on a voluntary basis. It is hoped to publish shortly a report on the work of the Department for the year ended 31st December last.
Mr. De la BèreMay I ask the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence why this question was transferred to the Board of Trade, and why he did not give me any notification of the transfer? Is it that he does not like to answer my questions?