HC Deb 14 November 1917 vol 99 cc372-3
61. Mr. BILLING

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government are prepared by an Order in Council under the Defence of the Realm Act to make it illegal for any person to deal speculatively in food essentials who was not engaged in such speculations before the outbreak of War?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of FOOD (Mr. Clynes)

I have been asked to reply. The policy of the Food Controller has been designed to render it impossible for any person to deal speculatively in food essentials whether he was or was not engaged in such speculations before the War. It is not thought that any additional powers are necessary.

Mr. BILLING

Are we to understand that it is an illegal act to speculate in food, that one is liable to be prosecuted for doing it, and that the Food Controller will prosecute if evidence can be obtained?

Mr. CLYNES

In the primary articles of food, certainly.

Mr. BILLING

What are the primary articles of food?

Mr. CLYNES

The articles of food that are controlled.