§ Sir G. GREENWOODasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of statements publicly made by Members of this House to the effect that stores of food are being held up in this country and that if it were not for the action of the food hoarders the price of staple foods might be reduced by 50 per cent., he will say if his official information shows that stores of food are being so held up as alleged; and, if so, what action the Government proposes to take in the matter?
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§ Mr. CLYNESI have no information to the effect that stores of food are being held up in this country in the mariner indicated in the statements referred to in the question. The Food Controller has adequate powers to deal either with holding up or with hoarding; the difficulty in such cases is to obtain definite evidence. A number of prosecutions under the Hoarding Order have already taken place, and substantial fines imposed in many cases; further prosecutions are pending.