§ 50. Mr. CLYNESasked the Prime Minister whether the Inter-Allied Food 1017 Council has ceased to exist; and, if so, what steps are being taken by the British Government to co-operate with Allied and associated Governments so as to constitute effective control of the world supply and demand for food in view of the present increase in prices and possible future shortage?
The MINISTER of FOOD (Mr. Roberts)I have been asked to reply. The functions of the Inter-Allied Food Council and of other Inter-Allied bodies dealing with shipping, finance, blockade restrictions, raw materials, and land communications, have been centralised in the Supreme Economic Council now sitting in Paris. The responsibility as regards foodstuffs rests with the Food Section of this Council which comprises representatives of the British and other Allied Governments formerly represented on the Inter-Allied Food Council, as well as of the Belgian Government. This Section deals with all questions arising out of the supply of food to both Allied and enemy countries, and also to other countries in receipt of relief. With regard to the latter part of the question, the right hon. Gentleman should bear in mind that measures for the control of buying depending on the unanimous agreement of a number of different countries, whose interests are sometimes opposed, though possible during the stress of war, are becoming more and more difficult of accomplishment as the world's trade gets into ordinary peace time channels.