HC Deb 07 March 1951 vol 485 cc438-40
59. Brigadier Prior-Palmer

asked the Minister of Food what steps are being taken for the protection and safeguard of food supplies in the event of heavy aerial attack.

Mr. F. Willey

Our defence measures include very comprehensive plans for the dispersal of our food stocks and prevention of damage by fire or other destructive action but obviously, as I am sure the hon. and gallant Gentleman will agree, it would not be in the public interest to publish any details of these plans.

Brigadier Prior-Palmer

Are any of the arrangements which are being made being circulated to local authorities, who are beginning to get interested in this matter?

Mr. Frederic Harris

Would the Minister not agree that possibly he could place all that stock in his own back garden?

Mr. Manuel

The hon. Member is looking all right.

Mr. Nicholson

Who has been drafting the replies of the hon. Gentleman today? Has not anybody in the Ministry of Food got a sense of humour?

Major Legge-Bourke

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that there is a sufficient quantity of tinned food for such an emergency?

Mr. John Tilney

Has the Minister considered offering storage space to our friends in America to store their food in this country?