§ 60. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can make any statement as to the intentions of the Government with respect to the Food Council; whether it is intended to keep it in being; and whether, in view of the approaching passage of the Wheat Bib, it is proposed to give the council greater power to protect consumers against an unjustifiable increase in the price of bread?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAIt is intended to keep the Food Council in being. The provisions of the Wheat Bill do not appear to call for any enlargement of its functions.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSMay I ask the hon. Gentleman whether the Food Council will be the agents for the Board of Trade under the Bill which is to be taken on Friday?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI do not know what the hon. Member means by "agents."
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs it the intention of the Government that the Food Council should be given compulsory powers instead of powers such as they possess to-day?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAThe powers of the Food Council are well known. It is not proposed to change them, except in cases of necessity, under the Bill which will be taken on Friday.