HC Deb 12 April 1951 vol 486 cc1167-8
12. Mr. Hollis

asked the President of the Board of Trade why this country has ordered 20,000 tins of water for Defence purposes from the United States of America; and in what way this water is more useful for such purposes than the water of our own islands.

Mr. Bottomley

So far as I am aware, no such order has been placed but if the hon. Member will let me have fuller details, I will make further inquiries.

Mr. Hollis

In view of the categorical statement by Mr. Freudenthal, President of the Chemical Service of Baltimore, that he has fulfilled such an order, and the fact that from the answer, Mr. Freudenthal would appear not to know the details of his own business, will the hon. Gentleman see that adequate publicity is given to this answer, as a considerable amount of ridicule has been cast upon the policy of His Majesty's Government by this story?

Mr. Bottomley

Inquiries have failed to trace any authenticity in this statement. I will see that publicity is given to the reply.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Is not the explanation of this mystery that the American admiral is bringing over his own water?