§ 106. Mr. PENNEFATHERasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that there is a threatened shortage of food in the United States of America which indicates a probability of a further rise of prices here, and therefore an urgent need for economy and for an early increase in home production; and what further steps will be taken to secure both these ends?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Runciman)I am fully aware of the urgent need for economy and for an increase in home production. Both matters are receiving attention and action has been and is being taken to secure supplies and regulate consumption.
§ 108. Sir J. LONSDALEasked the President of the Board of Trade, if the new Food Controller will be empowered to organise the home production of food so that, if necessary, farms may be controlled, waste and derelict land brought under cultivation, prisoners of war set to work, new and up-to-date machinery employed, supplies of artificial manures arranged for, and all other measures taken to increase the production of food within the United Kingdom?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am not in a position to forecast extent to which powers may be undertaken by the Food Controller. Many of these powers are now exercised by the Board of Agriculture, but due note will be made of the suggestions contained in the hon. Baronet's question.