HC Deb 31 July 1918 vol 109 c413
39. Sir RICHARD COOPER

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he has received complaints of the manner in which feeding-stuffs are controlled and distributed by the Food Controller; and has he requested the control of feeding-stuffs by his Department and through the agricultural committees throughout the country?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Sir Richard Winfrey)

The Board of Agriculture have received numerous complaints respecting the control of feeding-stuffs. The substance of these complaints has been transmitted to the Ministry of Food, with whom the Board has for some time discussed the scheme of distribution to be adopted in the light of the supplies and requirements which may now be anticipated. The Board is not a United Kingdom authority, and has no powers to control manufacturers. The reply to, the second part of the question is therefore in the negative.

Sir R. COOPER

Is it not a fact that the distribution of foodstuffs is so unsatisfactory because the Department of the Food Controller has no machinery in the country through which they can operate in regard to the distribution of foodstuffs?

Sir R. WINFREY

I am afraid that is so.

Sir R. COOPER

Can it not be remedied? We want to get on with the War and get food for the people, and cannot something be done?