§ 42. Sir Arthur Salterasked the President of the Board of Trade whether additional storage has been constructed, under the powers given by the Essential Commodities Act, for the purpose of taking the food supplies which the Government has bought and intends to buy, or whether, in any case, existing storage has been used in such a way as to have an adverse effect upon private imports?
§ Mr. StanleyAdditional storage has been constructed for some of the Government food reserves. Where use has been made of existing storage it has not had, so far, any adverse effect upon commercial imports. Representations were, however, made to me regarding the prospective shortage of storage space at Liverpool for private imports of grain, and steps have already been taken by my Department to relieve the situation. The matter is receiving further consideration in consultation with representatives of the grain trade.
§ Sir A. SalterCould the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that he is constructing or acquiring otherwise than by withdrawal from the trade adequate accommodation for all actual and prospective Government purchases?
§ Mr. StanleyNo, Sir; I could not give that assurance. If I believe that there is in any case storage which is not likely to be used in any way by the trade, I should be prepared to use that for Government purchases.