HC Deb 18 September 1950 vol 478 cc1529-30
10. Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton

asked the Minister of Food if he will give an assurance that there will be a continued supply of corn and foodstuffs in the event of supplies from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and from Russian-controlled countries being cut off.

Mr. Webb

Supplies would continue but they might not be so great, because, obviously, the field in which we purchase would be narrowed. But if the situation mentioned in the Question ever arose the Government would, naturally, use every endeavour to maintain adequate supplies of all necessary foods.

Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton

Will the right hon. Gentleman ensure that the fullest use will be made of Empire and home-produced supplies?

Mr. Webb

Yes, Sir; we have been doing that for a long time.

Mr. Snadden

Is it not now desirable that the home oat crop should be guaranteed in price beyond 1952, so that increased acreages may be planned?

Mr. G. Williams

Can the Minister tell us what percentage of feedingstuffs is coming from Russia at present?

Mr. Webb

Not without notice.