§ 55. Mr. ANDERSONasked whether, in view of the increasing gravity of the food problem and the need for further drastic steps being taken, he will assign a day 2002 for the discussion of this question, in order that the Food Controller may have the assistance and guidance of this House?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI do not think that any useful purpose would be served by a discussion of this subject at present.
§ Mr. ANDERSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the position in regard to this matter is going to be very serious indeed, and does he not think that, under these circumstances, a discussion with suggestion in the House of Commons would be entirely to the good or is it going to be left entirely to an official bureaucracy?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI quite realise the seriousness of this problem both now and perhaps still more in the future. What I said was that I do not think a discussion at this moment would be helpful, but, of course, in this matter, I am entirely in the hands of the House, and if there should he a general desire I shall try to find time.
§ Mr. BILLINGIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the recent statement of the Food Controller threatening to institute compulsory rationing is causing prices to rise on account of the hoarding which is taking place?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI was not aware of that, and I am sceptical about it; but, in any case, it is the fact that we do look upon compulsory rations as something that may become necessary, and there is no harm in saying so.
§ Mr. LYNCHIs the the right hon. Gentleman aware that, according to the " Daily Mail," people are starving at the Ritz at the present moment?