Captain A. Evansasked the Minister of Agriculture whether it is proposed, in connection with the coming season, to ask British canners of essential foods, such as vegetables, to increase their normal holdings; and, if so, whether he will take steps to ensure that, in the case of vegetables, such additional crops are planted now, since within a few weeks it will be too late to take any effective action in this direction?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonI have been asked to reply. I would refer to the reply which my- right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade gave on 2nd February last in regard to the desirability of manufacturers and traders maintaining, and if possible increasing, so far as their individual circumstances permit, their stocks of those materials and foodstuffs which will be necessary for the country in time of emergency.
As regards the second part of the question, I am not aware that British canners have found any difficulty in obtaining materials, but if they anticipate difficulty I should be glad if they would inform me.