§ 73. Mr. KINGasked the Prime Minister whether a food controller has been, or will be shortly, appointed; if so, at what salary; whether offices and work in preparation for the duties of food controller have been organised; and whether the provision of home-grown food for both animal stock and the civil population will come under the powers of a food controller?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Bonar Law)As regards the first part of the question, Lord Devonport has been appointed Food Controller and the hon. Member for Wilton will act as Parliamentary Secretary of the Food Control Department. As regards the second part of the question I am not in a position to make any statement at present. All the matters referred to in the third part of the question are well in hand. The encouragement of the production of home-grown food, including feeding stuffs, will be within the province of the Food Controller in co-operation with the other Government Department concerned.
§ Mr. PRINGLEWill a Bill be introduced constituting the new Ministry of Food and the new Ministry of Labour?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIt is the intention to introduce such a Bill.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI think it will be better to wait till I make a statement about business later.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe hon. Gentleman had better wait till he sees the Bill.
§ 75. Mr. OUTHWAITEasked the Prime Minister whether it will be within the power of the Food Dictator to prohibit the use of grain and sugar for the production of beverages?
Captain BATHURSTThe Defence of the Realm Regulations give power to specify the purposes for which alone any such article may be used.