§ 51. Mr. Anstruther-Grayasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he can give an assurance that there are no essential commodities of which there is not a supply in this country sufficient for at least three months without imports?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonIn the case of nearly all essential raw materials, the trade stocks and Government reserves are more than adequate for three months' consumption on the basis of estimated war requirements, and in the few cases where this not so, the necessary steps are being taken to cover the position. As regards foodstuffs, I can assure my hon. Friend that, wherever practicable, stocks have been or are being brought up to at least the standard mentioned in the question.
§ Mr. LoftusHow much of the three months' stock is trade stock, and how much has been purchased by my right hon. Friend's Department?
§ Mr. MorrisonI could not give that information. I am able to give the general assurance asked for in the question, but could not give particulars without danger to the public interest.
§ Mr. ShinwellAre we to understand that the Government's policy is limited to three months' supply?
§ Mr. MorrisonI never said that.
§ 53. Mr. Tinkerasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether, in the food defence plans, steps are being taken to enable old age pensioners to have reserves of foodstuffs so that in an emergency they would be in a position similar to the rest of the population who have been advised by him to build up reserves of essential foodstuffs?
§ Mr. MorrisonNo special arrangements of the kind suggested by the hon. Member are in contemplation. The Government's plans, for the maintenance of adequate supplies of foodstuffs for the country and for their proper distribution, are farmed generally and for all sections of the community alike. In these plans no account is taken of the reserves which may be accumulated by householders in advance of an emergency. I regard these reserves as an additional source of security, which may be particularly useful in relieving any temporary strain on local distribution, such as might arise owing to the sudden influx of population in reception areas. I should hope that in the event of such a strain persons who have been able to provide reserves in their homes would use them with a view to relieving, in the common interest, the pressure on the shops for the time being.
§ Mr. TinkerMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in considering this important question, he will keep in mind the fact that there are 230,000 old age pensioners who have to apply for Poor Law relief every week, and that it is impossible for them to get in any reserves at all; and I would ask the Government to bear that in mind?
§ Mr. MorrisonI am aware that there are many people who cannot accumulate reserves not only because of lack of means, but, in many cases, because of lack of accommodation. The Government plans are framed to give equal distribution to all sections alike.
§ Mr. George GriffithsDid not the Prime Minister's letter yesterday give to these old age pensioners tremendous hope for the future?