§ 51. Mr. BILLINGasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the privation which the poorer classes in this country are now suffering through food shortage, he will consider the advisability of introducing a legislative measure offering a reward to any person giving information which leads to a conviction for food hoarding, and thus effectively check this practice?
Captain BATHURSTI have been asked to reply. The expedient suggested by the hon. Member is open to so many objections that I hope that no ground may arise for considering it seriously. May I add that the suggestion made seems to me to smack of Rorne in the unhappy days of Nero?
§ Mr. BILLINGIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there is considerable dissatisfaction among the poorer classes as to the action which is taken by some of the richer people in reference to food?
Captain BATHURSTThat possibly may be the case. I think that to a large extent it is so, but I believe that it is unfounded. In any case, I am quite sure that to establish such a system of espionage would be entirely foreign to English ideas.
§ Mr. SWIFT MacNEILLIn the public interest, does the hon. Gentleman not 411 think that there might be a new Department started with five or six well-paid officials who are Members of this House?
Captain BATHURSTI do not think that the practice suggested would be desirable, or one which the hon. Gentleman would like to sec established.