§ 7. Sir Wavell Wakefieldasked the Minister of Food when instructions were issued by him to implement the undertaking given at the end of July that people living in remote areas would be able to obtain bulk supplies of oatmeal; what were the instructions; and to whom were they issued.
§ 21. Colonel Gomme-Duncanasked the Minister of Food if he will publish the instructions given to his regional officers with the object of carrying out the undertaking, given on his behalf during the Debate on 1st August, 1946, that any person living in remote areas in Scotland would be allowed to make bulk purchase of oatmeal before the winter set in; and the date on which such instructions were issued.
§ Mr. StracheyThe original instructions to implement this pledge were given on 1st August to the four Scottish divisional food officers and were repeated and reaffirmed on 19th November.
§ Sir W. WakefieldWere these instructions given to other food officers in England and in Wales?
§ Mr. StracheyNo, Sir. This was entirely a question for Scotland, and the issue was raised on the issue of Scotland.
§ Sir W. WakefieldBut, if the Minister will recollect, it was a question for all rural areas, not only in Scotland but in England and Wales.
§ Mr. StracheyWe would willingly consider that, if there are such areas in England and Wales where it is necessary, but the questions to which I am referring back dealt exclusively with Scotland.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanHow is it that this instruction, which was issued on 1st August, had not reached Aberdeen by 20th November?
§ Mr. StracheyI am quite sure it had reached Aberdeen.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanThe hon. Member for Central Aberdeen (Mr. Spence) distinctly said it had not, and he had asked the day before.
§ Mr. StracheyWell, Sir, my food officers distinctly said it had.
§ Mr. Manningham-BullerCan the Minister say if any effect has been given to these instructions now?
§ Mr. StracheyYes, Sir.