70. Mr. T. WILSONasked the Food Controller whether it has come to his knowledge that the Mayor of Lydd commandeered two bullocks some months ago at a time when the Romney Marsh Food Control Committee were refused permission to requisition cattle, which resulted in a shortage of meat in the district; whether sanction was given to the Mayor of Lydd by his Department; and, if not, what action he proposes to take in the matter?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of FOOD (Major Astor)The Mayor of Lydd is the authorised Government agent for the purchase and allocation of live stock in the Rye market district. Owing to a serious local shortage of meat on 17th January, this officer, in pursuance of his powers as deputy-chairman of the market district, and under the authority of the Ministry of Food, obtained two beasts from a local farmer and allocated them to Lydd. It has not hitherto been thought advisable to confer requisitioning powers on local food control committees.