HC Deb 25 March 1946 vol 421 cc38-40
Mr. Eden (by Private Notice)

asked the Minister of Food, in view of the conflicting reports which have emanated from his Department with regard to impending reductions in certain items of rationed foods, whether he has any statement to make as to the true position in order to relieve public anxiety.

Sir B. Smith

I am not aware of conflicting reports—[HON. MEMBERS; "Oh "]— having emanated from my Department. The Press were informed last Thursday of the generally serious food position, with particular reference to oils and fats, and on Friday a statement was issued to make it clear that the whole position was still under review by the Government and no decision had yet been reached. There is no doubt that the position is serious and I am consulting with my colleagues about the measures necessary to deal with it. I shall make a statement in the House as soon as a decision has been reached.

Mr. Eden

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the Press on Friday—in all the papers on Friday—appeared not a general statement, but a detailed statement of reductions to be made in rations; that the "Daily Herald," which I have before me, gives a detailed account of the reductions in margarine by one ounce a week, and the cancellation of one of the seven coupons valid in every eight weeks in respect of soap, and so forth? Is the Minister also aware that on Saturday morning a statement appeared saying that these comments which appeared in all our Press on Friday morning, though coming from official sources, did not represent a Government decision? I know my right hon. Friend was not here on Friday. May I ask him how he can say there have been no conflicting statements when those statements are in absolutely flat contradiction, one with the other? Will he be good enough to tell us on whose authority this statement appeared in the Press on Friday morning?

Sir B. Smith

I wish to convey to the House that there has been no conflicting statement—

Mr. James Stuart

Rubbish.

Sir B. Smith

Of course, being a perfect gentleman, I will take that from the right hon. Member but, Mr. Speaker, I do not usually talk rubbish to this House. I do not want to be told by anyone that it is rubbish—[HON. MEMBERS: "Withdraw."] I would suggest the right hon. Gentleman is a better judge of rubbish than most people. I repeat, there has been no Departmental difference of opinion on this. I thank the right hon. Gentleman for saying he knows I was not here at the time. I gather there, was a statement issued. I am inquiring into the points made that he culled from the "Daily Herald," and until I can discuss that with the people who are presumed to have made it, I am not in a position to make a statement to the House today. I will, however, promise the right hon. Gentleman to look very carefully into it and, if he still wants me to state the position in the House, I will be very happy to do so.

Mr. Eden

Will the Minister bear in mind that there really was anxiety on Friday morning as a result of this statement which appeared in every paper? I only quoted from the "Daily Herald" because I thought it would carry more conviction. The statement appeared in every paper. It is desirable on a matter of this kind, which is an anxious one to every home in the country, that statements should not be put out that have no real authority. Therefore, we would be obliged if the Minister would be good enough to tell us tomorrow the result of his inquiries.

Sir Arthur Salter

Will the Minister give an assurance that the long promised White Paper on the general food situation will be published this week, so that there may be some background against which the public may better understand the details given?

Sir B. Smith

All I can say is that the White Paper will be published as soon as possible.