54. Mr. J. JONESasked the Prime Minister if he has considered the danger that may arise upon the signing of Peace terms in the matter of food shortage, particularly in view of the activity of the American Food Trust, who are now engaged in purchasing food supplies in all parts of the world; and if he is prepared to state what action the Government in tend to take to protect the people of this country against food shortage and high prices?
The MINISTER of FOOD (Mr. Roberts)I have been asked to reply. As I informed the hon. Member for Stratford on the 27th May, there is no reason to anticipate any considerable shortage in the supply to this country of essential foodstuffs, though one or two articles may continue to be relatively scarce. As I then stated, the most effective precaution consists in the provision of adequate tonnage for the importation of foodstuffs, and I have every reason to believe that this will be forthcoming. Ample supplies form the natural corrective of high prices; at present I can only say that the course of prices is being anxiously watched.
Mr. JONESIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I intend to raise this question on the Adjournment on Friday.