§ Mr. WINGasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will now consider the advisability of putting into operation the provisions of the Unreasonable Withholding of Food Supplies Act, 1914, with a view to repressing exploitation of the necessities of the people by the withholding of food stuffs in anticipation of higher prices?
Mr. RUNCIMANIf my hon. Friend will furnish me with particulars of any instances162W in which foodstuffs are being unreasonably withheld from the market I shall have them at once examined with a view to such action as may be necessary. I would, however, point out to my hon. Friend that the mere possession of a stock is not in itself a proof of an offence under the Act passed last Session. There are circumstances in which it may be wise to reserve some part of what is now in hand for future contingencies in order to prevent a shortage later on.