§ 57. Miss Eleanor Rathboneasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the large consumption of tinned foods which is taking place, he has considered imposing greater restriction on the sale of such food, in order to conserve it for a time of greater scarcity?
Major Lloyd GeorgeYes, Sir, but, as I informed my hon. Friend the Member for Gillingham (Sir R. Gower) on 5th March, I do not consider it desirable to give advance information on matters of this kind.
§ Miss RathboneMay we not at least know whether there is really any restric- 439 tion in the sale of tinned foods which could be perfectly well kept for a time of greater scarcity?
Major Lloyd GeorgeThe hon. Member has repeated the Question on the Paper, and I can only repeat the answer. I cannot give information in advance on this matter, which is always under consideration.
§ Earl WintertonCan my hon. and gallant Friend, in view of the fact that his attention has been drawn to this matter by a number of Questions in the House, give any indication when he will deal with what is rapidly becoming a real scandal?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI do not know what the Noble Lord means by that. This matter was dealt with long before any Questions were asked in the House. The matter is under consideration, and I am sure that the Noble Lord will appreciate what I mean when I say that this is not a matter about which we can give advance information.