20. Mr. H. Wilsonasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement about the future of the strategic stockpiles at present held by Her Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftThe composition of the stockpiles of raw materials for which I am responsible will continue to be determined on the basis of strategic considerations.
Mr. WilsonWhatever that answer means, if anything, is the right hon. Gentleman aware of a very clear statement in a national newspaper last Saturday which suggested that the Government had come to a major decision on the dissipation of these strategic stockpiles? In view of the fact that so many of the Government's intentions seem to be leaking to the Press long before we hear about them in the House, are we to take that statement as an accurate leakage or as pure invention?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftI can accept no responsibility for what appears in the national Press.