§ Mr. Corbettasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent inquiries he has made of major food companies concerning food industry stocks and distribution; for what purpose; and whether any results will be published.
§ Mrs. FennerMy Department has commissioned a study from the Institute of Grocery Distribution to update the Department's knowledge about the location of food stocks and the pattern of food distribution in the light of the changes that have taken place in recent years.
455WThe survey is being carried out as part of the normal duties of the Department whose responsibilities include seeking to assure a supply of food for the population in peace and war. The commercial information in the survey is being supplied by the industry on the strict understanding that it will not be divulged; the results of the survey will not therefore be published.