§ 66. Dr. Littleasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether 1787 he is aware that there is a serious shortage of white flour, especially in the Northwest of Northern Ireland, owing to the illicit transport of large quantities of this commodity across the border; and whether he will take steps to put an end to this wholesale smuggling and the ramp in white flour?
Major Lloyd GeorgeThe answer to the first part of my hon. Friend's Question is in the negative. The last analysis of flour stocks in the hands of millers and importers showed a considerably higher stock per head of the population in Northern Ireland than the average throughout the whole of the United Kingdom. The second part of my hon. Friend's Question does therefore not arise.
§ Dr. LittleIs my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that a great deal of white flour in Northern Ireland is being taken across the border, and will he take steps to conserve it, as we require all the flour we possess?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI am aware that this has happened, and steps were taken to deal with that matter. It obviously cannot be a very serious one when, as I say, stocks are higher than in any other part of the country.