§ 55. Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the Minister of Food whether imports of wheat up to 31st August, 1946, reached the estimated amount; how much wheat was saved as the result of bread rationing 1389 prior to 31st August, after allowance for excess drawings prior to bread rationing; and what were the stocks of what in this country on 31st August.
§ Mr. StracheyThe answer to the first part of the Question is that arrivals to 31st August turned out to be even lower than the estimate on which the decision to ration was taken. We estimate that in the six weeks of bread rationing to 31st August, 166,000 tons of flour were saved. We estimate that as against this there was an increased usage of 36,000 tons in the first week's rationing. So the net saving was some 130,000 tons. As regards the last part of the Question, I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Northern Dorset (Mr. Byers) on 10th July.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether that answer does include a specific answer to the last part of the Question?
§ Mr. StracheyIt does not include a figure, if that is what the hon. Gentleman means
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterCan the right hon. Gentleman say what his objection is to giving the amount of the stocks for as far back as 31st August?
§ Mr. StracheyThe objection is that the commercial advisers to the Ministry firmly believe that publication of our stock figures would not be in their interest—and, therefore, not in the national interest—as buyers of the food supply of the country. So long as they take that view I propose to support them.
§ Sir Waldron SmithersIs not the main reason for the shortage of wheat bulk purchasing by inefficient negotiators with no business experience?