HC Deb 14 March 1917 vol 91 c1074
47. Mr. GEORGE FABER

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the desirability of telling the people of this country now, more plainly than they have yet been told, the real all-round food position, in order that all classes may realise the nature of the crisis and meet it in time instead of too late?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The Prime Minister, on 23rd February, asked the House and the country to realise that it is essential to the safety and maintenance of the life of the nation that we should put forward immediately every effort to increase food production, and to diminish to the utmost the consumption of essential foodstuffs.

Mr. FABER

Is it not only in respect of bread, meat, and sugar that the people of this country are now required to curb their appetite, and ought not that to extend to almost every article of diet?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I agree with my hon. Friend that the situation is such that economy should be practised in every direction in connection with food.