§ 46. Mr. G. Jegerasked the Prime Minister whether the speech at Farnborough by the Secretary of State for the Colonies, on Saturday, 19th April, on economic affairs represents the policy of Her Majesty's Government.
§ The Prime MinisterThe general tenor of my right hon. Friend's remarks was in accordance with the policy of Her Majesty's Government, and I regret to say that in many of the facts it was only too true of the position from which we hope to rescue the country.
§ Mr. JegerWould the right hon. Gentleman confirm the Colonial Secretary's remarks that Britain was not feeling the effects of the cuts in the food imports as much as she would later because the country was still living on stocks? This comes from a "Manchester Guardian" report, and that is a reliable newspaper. If so, would the right hon. Gentleman be kind enough to give the House some details about those food stocks on which we have been living for six months, since we have been repeatedly told by him and other Ministers that the cupboard was bare when they took office?
§ The Prime MinisterMy right hon. Friend informs me that his reference to stocks was to stocks of unrationed foods. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] Certainly, there were considerable stocks of unrationed foods, and the full severity of the cuts the Government imposed has not yet been realised.