§ 58. Mr. de Rothschildasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that although it is two years since the representatives of the canning industry sought the guidance of the Government as to how they could best contribute to the national food reserve they are still without any indication from the Government as to what contribution they are expected to make; whether he is aware that the industry could readily double its present output of canned foodstuffs from 2375 existing plant; and whether he will take action without delay to ensure that the potentialities of this industry for the creation of food reserves shall be fully utilised?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonAs I have stated in reply to previous questions, the Food (Defence Plans) Department have contracted with fish canners in Great Britain for supplies of canned herring, and have purchased canned beef from Dominion and foreign sources, there being no production of canned beef in this country. The Department has also purchased some home-produced condensed milk for distribution to persons in the Government evacuation scheme. No other canned foodstuffs have been included in the Government reserves and I regret that it has accordingly not been possible to acquire for this purpose more of the products of the home canning industry. I am aware of the potentialities of the industry for meeting requirements in time of war.