HC Deb 23 March 1939 vol 345 cc1446-7
45. Sir Arthur Salter

asked the Prime Minister whether he will arrange for the primary responsibility for policy as to food reserves to be assigned to a Minister in charge of a Department dealing with the subject in the same way that a primary responsibility for the number of battleships, aeroplanes, or units of the Army is assigned to Departmental Ministers?

The Prime Minister (Mr. Chamberlain)

I have been considering whether the present arrangements in regard to this matter can be improved, but I have not yet reached a final decision. Perhaps the hon. Member would be good enough to repeat his question at a later date.

46. Mr. Graham White

asked the Prime Minister which of His Majesty's Ministers is responsible for the control of the reserve food stocks and for the prices at which they are transferred to manufacturers or other users; and whether transfers are made at cost price or at current market prices?

The Prime Minister

My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade is responsible for the control of food under the Essential Commodities Reserves Act, and for the prices at which such food is transferred to traders. Transfer is effected at current market prices.