48. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will introduce legislation to make illegal schemes for the restriction of produce and commodities since increased production throughout the country is essential in the national interests?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Mr. R. Cross)I have been asked to reply. No. Sir. Although increased production of goods as a whole is desirable, production of particular classes of goods in excess of the demand for them is not.
Mr. De la BèreDoes the Minister realise that it is utter folly to keep down production of the very things men want; and does he realise further, that there is no use saying "We Must Be Prepared," when these restriction schemes are the direct negation of all preparedness?