§ 31. Major NEWMANasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is satisfied that the population of London are not being unjustly deprived of food at the instance of certain food committees in various parts of Ireland, who are endeavouring to forbid the export of food of all sorts to this country, and intimidating dealers who have food to export; and will the Food Controller satisfy himself as to the quantity of foodstuffs which can fairly be demanded from Ireland, and use, or obtain, if he has not got them, summary powers to prevent the embargo which it is being sought to establish?
Mr. PARKERThe decisions of the Food Controller as to the quantity of foodstuffs available for export from Ireland to other parts of the United Kingdom are made after consultation with the Irish Department of Agriculture find the Food Control Committee for Ireland. While it has been necessary to prohibit the shipment of certain articles required for Irish consumption, the export of supplies generally is of the normal amount.
§ Major NEWMANIs the hon. Member aware of the endeavours made by unofficial committees to hold up food against England?
Mr. PARKERNo; I am not aware of that fact. The information which the Department have in their possession is that the supplies coming to England are the normal amount.
§ Sir J. D. REESIs the Food Controller reconsidering the prohibition against the importation of butter from Ireland?
§ Mr. BOLANDIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that during the winter months there is no export of surplus butter from Ireland?