§ 71. Mr. LYLEasked the Food Controller whether he can inform the House of the anticipations of his Department regarding the supply to the people of this country of the staple articles of food during the coming winter as the result of the raising of the European blockade; and whether he sees any need, and if this need exists is taking precautionary measures, to make provision in advance to cope with all emergencies?
Mr. ROBERTSSo far as can be foreseen, there is no reason to suppose that there will be any considerable shortage in the supply to this country of the staple 1021 articles of food during the coming winter, though one or two articles may still be relatively scarce. The whole position is under close consideration.
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.