HC Deb 23 July 1946 vol 425 cc1861-2
43. Mr. Henderson Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any further statement to make on the effect upon farm workers' perquisites of the new bread-rationing Order.

Mr. Westwood

I am still in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Food and hope that an announcement will be made very shortly.

Mr. Stewart

In view of the Order now on the Table with regard to oatmeal, does not the right hon Gentleman think it absolutely necessary that the House should be informed of this matter before the Order is passed?

Mr. Westwood

The Minister of Food is carrying through negotiations at the present time, and is engaged on the prepartions of the special provisions to deal with the perquisites of farm workers.

Mr. Snadden

If there is an Order on the Table, how is it that the Minister has not come to a decision with regard to this matter?

Mr. Westwood

I have already pointed out that the Minister of Food is working on the provisions at the moment, and we hope, as I have already stated, that we shall he able very shortly to make an announcement.

Mr. R. S. Hudson

Are we to assume that the Order putting oatmeal on points was issued without giving preliminary considerations to these complications which have arisen?

Mr. Westwood

The right hon. Gentleman must not assume that.

Mr. McGovern

Is the Minister aware that a great deal of the trouble in the country is because the public are not taken sufficiently into the confidence of the Government?