48. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food 1334 whether, in view of the dangers of air bombardment, he will now consider repairing and putting into working order the disused mills throughout the country and bringing them back into activity; and whether, with a view to improving the country's larder, he will encourage householders throughout the country to hold a 140-lb. bag of flour, with a view to its utilisation for home baking in the event of an emergency and as a war precaution?
Major Lloyd GeorgeAs a precautionary measure steps have already been taken to bring certain disused mills into production, and further action on these lines will he taken if the need arises. As regards the latter part of the Question, ample flour reserves are being maintained by the Ministry and by flour millers in all parts of the country. My Noble Friend does not, therefore, consider it desirable to extend household reserves to the extent that my hon. Friend suggests, but he would be glad if all consumers who are able to do so would maintain an emergency reserve equivalent to one week's normal requirements.
Mr. De la BèreCan my right hon. Friend tell me under what authority certain statements have been made by officials of the Ministry of Food to the Press regarding the possible price of bread and other matters, and will he draw the attention of the Minister of Food to this very undesirable practice that goes on?