HC Deb 19 July 1939 vol 350 c422W
Mr. Bracken

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will import such quantities of those essential raw materials which can be easily stored without deterioration, as will enable ships to be switched in war time from the conveyance of those materials to the transport of food?

Mr. Cross

As my right hon. Friend informed the hon. Member for Aberdeen, Eastern (Mr. Boothby) yesterday, substantial reserves of many essential commodities are already assured. The considerations to which my hon. Friend refers have been and will be borne in mind in connection with all such arrangements.