The Food Control Department has issued an important notice fixing
the prices ef wheat, oats, and potatoes for 1917—wheat 60s. per quarter, oats 38e. 6d. per quarter, and potatoes from 115s. to 130e. per ton. These prices are fixed in the belief that they offer sufficient inducements to the farmers. The Food Controller will take over the produce and distribute it to dealers and bakers at
such prices as will enable people to buy at the lowest possible price. That at all events is the theory. But we must say that 'we did-not understand, when the intentions of -the Food Controller were first announced, that the price fixed was to be a maximum as well as a minimum price. Yet there seems to be no doubt that this is what is meant: We cannot• disguise our regret. A minimum price, we are sure, is most desirable, and indeed necessely in the circumstances. It is essential to tell the farmer that he can go ahead assured that he will not be a loser if he does his duty. But we-fear that the former will not be in a mood to do his best if he is told,.as he is told now in effect, that whatever height prices may soar to for imported food, he is not in any degree to profit by the conditions which cause that rise.
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