§ Mr. Boothbyasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the prospective increase in the cost of those imported raw materials which are required in great quantities in war-time, he will take steps to encourage the purchase and storage of large stocks of such materials while prices are at a comparatively low level?
§ Mr. StanleyI can assure my hon. Friend that the considerations to which he refers have been, and will continue to be, very much in the mind of the Government in considering proposals for the acquisition of reserves of essential commodities. As was stated by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, in answer to a question by the hon. Member for Northern Lanark (Mr. Anstruther-Gray) on 12th July last, substantial reserves of many essential commodities are already assured.