HC Deb 10 May 1939 vol 347 cc470-4
46. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he can state the total cost to the Government of the wheat reserve in carrying charges and through loss of weight and also of allowances charged by millers for deterioration of wheat in store?

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. W. S. Morrison)

Carrying charges including rent, handling and supervision, work out at an average rate of approximately 18s. per ton per annum. Loss of wheat in store and in transit has amounted up to date to 7 of 1 per cent. of the total weight of wheat disposed of to the millers, and allowances for deterioration to 2 of 1 per cent. of the value of the wheat so disposed.

Mr. Shinwell

Are not these charges excessive, particularly as regards deterioration; and is it desirable that a monoply operating on behalf of the Government should determine the terms of the remuneration which is to be received?

Mr. Morrison

The rates for deterioration are designed, in the first instance, by the independent chairman of the Advisory Committee. In regard to the actual figures, I think that claims amounting to less than one-fifth of 1 per cent are not excessive.

Mr. Shinwell

May I ask whether this independent chairman is an expert in the grain trade?

Mr. Morrison

Yes, Sir, he is an independent miller—independent of the three big milling combines—and I do not think it is disadvantageous to have someone who has a knowledge of the milling side of the industry.

Mr. Shinwell

Would it not also be desirable to have somebody from: the grain side?

Mr. Morrison

If the hon. Member will suggest to me some person whom he has in view, I will gladly consider that.

Lieut.-Colonel Heneage

Is there a heavy charge for deterioration owing to loss caused by rats?

Mr. Morrison

I could not answer that question without notice.

Captain Heilgers

Is it not the case that there is a constant turn-over?

Mr. Morrison

There is a constant turnover, and every step is taken to prevent deterioration as far as possible, but some deterioration is inevitable.

47. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster the conditions which determine payments to millers on account of deterioration of wheat held under the wheat reserve; and whether, before payment is made, the Government will consult independent opinion in the grain trade to ensure that charges are not excessive?

Mr. Morrison

Claims in respect of deterioration of the Government reserves are referred to the chairman of the Advisory Committee appointed to assist the Food (Defence Plans) Department in the administration of the wheat storage scheme. The chairman is an independent miller of recognised standing in the trade. It is open to the milling concern or the Department to appeal to arbitration under the rules of the London Corn Trade Association.

Mr. Shinwell

In a matter of such importance affecting the country as a whole, and particularly affecting the Imperial Exchequer, why should the determination of these payments be left to those associated with the milling trade, even under an independent chairman? Why not consult outside assistance?

Mr. Morrison

It is not a case of this matter being left to them. The final word is with the Department. If any claim is considered excessive, there is always the method of arbitration in the way I have suggested. I may say that the chairman to whom I have referred, has shown no inclination to pass claims which could be considered excessive.

49. Mr. Vyvyan Adams

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether the Government are aware of a wheat-preserving process by which wheat can be preserved in the form of cakes for an indefinite period without any deterioration in its food value; and, if so, whether use is being made of this process for the purpose of food storage?

Mr. Morrison

One process for the preservation of wheat in compressed form has been brought to the notice of the Food (Defence Plans) Department and has been fully investigated. The Department is, however, advised that it does not satisfy the necessary conditions for long-term storage.

Mr. Adams

Is my right hon. Friend aware that two years ago a cake was analysed and found, after a period of 30 years, to have undergone no deterioration?

Mr. Morrison

I am not sure whether the process which my hon. Friend has in mind is the same process as the one which we have examined, but if he will be good enough to give me particulars of his process, I shall be glad to look into the matter.

Mr. Adams

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the process to which I refer is the one invented by the late Lord Masham?

Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

Will the right hon. Gentleman give a guarantee that in the event of war, if our people are not able to get bread, they will be able to eat cake?

50. Captain Peter Macdonald

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will consider the desirability of encouraging co-operation at the earliest opportunity between British producers of meat, fruit, and vegetables and the British canning industry with a view to increasing the supplies of British canned foodstuffs so that adequate amounts are available in the event of an emergency?

Mr. Morrison

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Cardiff, South (Captain A. Evans) on 27th April.

51 and 52. Captain Macdonald

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) whether he is aware that, in consequence of improved methods of distribution introduced during recent years, householders and retailers maintain far smaller reserves of foodstuffs; and whether, in view of the need for reducing all non-essential demands on transport in the event of an emergency, he will take early steps to urge householders and retailers to increase such reserves wherever possible;

(2) whether, in drawing up further plans and instructions for local authorities in connection with the Government evacuation scheme, he will consider the desirability of including advice to retailers of foodstuffs in reception areas to increase their normal reserves, in particular of non-perishable foodstuffs and tinned meats, fish, vegetables and fruit?

Mr. Morrison

As regards storage by householders, I would refer to the reply which I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for Gillingham (Sir R. Gower). While I feel sure that all food traders have in mind the desirability of maintaining as high a level of stocks as their circumstances permit, the Food (Defence Plans) Department are enlisting the assistance of wholesale and retail traders in making arrangements for increasing the supplies in retail shops in the country generally, and in reception areas in particular, in the event of evacuation.

Mr. T. Johnston

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether any steps are being taken to encourage persons with gardens in the reception areas to grow green vegetables, this year in particular, as they might find four or five times the normal population thrown at them with only a very small reserve of foodstuffs?

Mr. Morrison

That is a different question, but if the right hon. Gentleman will put it down, I will give it consideration.

54. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether, as an emergency measure and in view of the assured heavy crop of plums this season, he will introduce legislation to authorise agents of the Food Defence Plans Department to purchase surplus plums at a minimum price to be fixed in consultation with the growers with a view to pulping these plums and keeping them for emergency purposes in a similar way to wheat and other essential commodities which are now being stored?

Mr. Morrison

No, Sir. Powers are available in the Essential Commodities Reserves Act, but having regard to the necessity for obtaining the best food value possible for the money expended on emergency reserves, I should not propose to use those powers in this case.

Mr. De la Bére

Does my right hon. Friend realise that this question not only affects Pershore and Evesham, but a great many constituents in his own division; and will be he kind enough to have a talk with me afterwards on the question?

Mr. Morrison

I am well aware of those considerations, but my responsibility is to secure the best food value for the money that is expended.