59. Mr. E. P. Smithasked the Minister of Food what, under the system of State bulk purchase, takes the place of the 1921 various expert and individual statistical and information bureaux which used to keep our terminal markets constantly informed as to the harvest prospects, weather conditions and world stock position regarding such major primary commodities as, for example; wheat, sugar and cotton.
§ Sir B. SmithThe organisations for the collection of intelligence on commodity supplies referred to by the hon. Member are still largely intact. The statistical and other information on primary commodities is being published in the trade Press in increasing detail now that security restrictions are being lifted, and the machinery for the collection of such information is being restored in countries formerly in the war zones. In addition, there has been a considerable development of the statistical and intelligence branches in the supply Departments of His Majesty's Government dealing with commodity matters during the war and these branches are to be retained. Full reports on general economic conditions and on specific commodity matters are received regularly from diplomatic missions and buying agencies abroad. No special difficulties need, therefore, be anticipated in securing the detailed information necessary for the efficient operation of a policy of bulk purchasing.
Mr. E. P. SmithDoes not the Minister think it rather remarkable that, with all this increased information, his Ministry should not be rather better informed?
§ Sir B. SmithMy Ministry is informed.