§ 54. Mr. Barnesasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food upon what evidence the Ministry of Food issued, on 5th November, a statement to the effect that supplies of canned goods for sale under the Points Rationing Scheme would be in retail shops by 10th 751 November and ready for distribution on 17th November; and whether, in view of the fact that this undertaking has not been fulfilled, he will avoid public statements being made before steps have been taken to implement them?
Major Lloyd GeorgeThe statement was made on evidence that was considered at the time to be satisfactory, but, in the light of subsequent information, proved to be over-optimistic. As regards the last part of the Question, I can assure my hon. Friend that undertakings of the kind in question are not assumed without full appreciation of the necessity of living up to them.
§ Mr. BarnesWould the Parliamentary Secretary indicate why, if that is the case, the Ministry steadfastly refuses to follow the practice of the trade?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI cannot possibly accept the suggestion in my hon. Friend's Question. It was with trade advice that we thought it could be done, and the timetable was not fulfilled. This is not the first case in which, in recent experience, a time-table has not come up to scratch.