86. Mr. E. P. Smithasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that there have been plentiful crops of lentils in the Near East; and if he will secure some of these for milling in this country, in view of their dietetic value and the fact that we have been without them for some years.
§ Mr. StracheyWe shall purchase all the lentils we can from the Near East, but it is unlikely that the quantity will be very large—they are wanted for local consumption.
87. Mr. E. P. Smithasked the Minister of Food if he will take steps to let the pulse-milling industry know what supplies of peas and lentils are likely to be forthcoming during the next six months, in view of the fact that the mills are now running on a day-to-day basis and that it is impossible to plan production ahead.
§ Mr. StracheyYes, Sir, as far as it is possible to do so, but our supplies over the next six months are not yet assured.