§ 93. Mr. FELLasked the hon. Member for Wilton, as representing the Food Controller, if his Department will have control of the licences issued to export food from this country to neutral States; and, if so, if these licences for the shipment of such necessary articles of food as rice will be withdrawn and all supplies which reach this country retained for our own consumption?
Captain BATHURSTLicences to export foodstuffs are only granted after careful consideration of each application, and the extent of the trade has been greatly restricted. I understand that the War Trade Department, which is at present responsible for the issue of these licences, will act in close consultation with the Food Controller, and restriction of the export of rice is in contemplation.