HC Deb 02 February 1943 vol 386 cc748-9
49. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government's assessment of shipping resources has caused any recent adjustment in the import position; and whether they intend to furnish any information to hon. Members?

Mr. Attlee

It would not be desirable for me to say more than that the Government keeps the shipping position under constant review in relation to all branches of our war effort including the necessity for maintaining the supplies of the United Kingdom.

Mr. Shinwell

In view of the change in the import position, which must be well known to my right hon. Friend and members of the Government, is it intended to make any readjustment in the rationing position and to extend rationing still further so as to curtail civilian consumption, or do the Government propose to leave the House and the public uninformed on these matters and then administer a rude shock in the months to come?

Mr. Attlee

Any Question with regard to rationing should be put to the Minister of Food.

Mr. Shinwell

But is not my right hon. Friend aware of the position at the various docks in this country—of unemployed labour and the like, the fact that ships are not coming in, and our reliance on one of our Allies for shipping—and ought we not to face this matter in a realistic fashion instead of concealing something that ought to be brought before the public so that they might realise the grim nature of the struggle?

Mr. Attlee

I should have thought that everybody realised the grim nature of the struggle. All these questions of import, rationing and the rest are adjusted to the shipping situation, and I do not think it is any use to make a scare about it when action is being taken.

Mr. Shinwell

While I appreciate the desire not to raise a scare about anything, is it not desirable, in view of the change that has taken place in the import position, that the House should be informed? Although I deprecate Secret Sessions, surely information on a fundamental and vital matter of this kind ought to be brought before the notice of hon. Members?