§ 33. Mr. Donnellyasked the Minister of Food the foods in which the country's stocks have decreased since 1st November, 1951; and how, in the light of existing financial policy, he expects food stocks at the end of 1952 to compare with the figures for the end of 1951.
Dr. HillFor reasons of commercial prudence my right hon. and gallant Friend cannot make any statement about our present and prospective stocks of food.
§ Mr. DonnellyIs the Minister not aware that that kind of verbal smokescreen makes it impossible for us to form any assessment of the balance-of-payments situation?
Dr. HillIt is the same kind of adjectival smoke-screen as was put up by right hon. Gentlemen opposite.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonDoes not the hon. Gentleman remember, as he surely does, that when that answer was given by Labour Ministers it was universally condemned by Conservative Members? What does he mean by coming to this House and giving the same answer as he and his hon. Friends condemned universally?
Dr. HillThe reasons for secrecy about commercial stocks, as about emergency stockpiling, remain unaltered.
§ Mr. ShinwellMay we have a secret Session on this subject?