§ 54. Mr. PEMBERTON BILLINGasked the Prime Minister whether he has decided 1112 to accept the resignation of the Food Controller; if so, whether he is in a position to inform the House if it is proposed to appoint another Food Controller; and, if so, whom he has selected for that post or, alternatively, if it has been decided to vest the control of the food supply in this country in a board?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Bonar Law)I cannot add anything to the answer which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for the Eskdale Division yesterday.
§ Mr. BILLINGCan the right hon. Gentleman say when the Government intend to take some action in regard to food control, and is he aware that while the Government are fiddling the people are starving?
§ Mr. FLAVINCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is the intention of the Government to appoint a Food Controller or a Committee?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIt is the intention of the Government to appoint a Food Controller.
§ Mr. PRINGLEHas the position been offered to anyone up to the present?
§ Colonel CLAUDE LOWTHERIn view of the fact that the Debate on labour unrest has been postponed until the Food Controller is appointed, will the right hon. Gentleman specify the exact date when the appointment will be made, because it is a matter of the greatest urgency?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI hardly need to tell my hon. Friend that we recognise its urgency as much as he does. It is not so easy to get the right man, but we are certainly doing our very best to get him.
§ Mr. BILLINGWill the right hon. Gentleman undertake to stop profiteering pending the appointment?
§ Mr. PRINGLEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this Government has taken as long to make an appointment as the late Government?