The Nation's Food-Supply
The Ministry of Food does not claim to have avoided mistakes, but in the main it has stood the test of exacting criticism, and its record in the last two years has been one of wise stewardship. In his review of the situation last Tuesday Major Lloyd George told the House of difficulties ahead as well as of those over- come. The Ministry has taken advantage of the improvement in supplies in the last six months to build up stocks of essential foods, with the result that reserves were 3o per cent, higher in December, 1941, than they had been a year earlier. The improve- ment had been due primarily to greater home production and the substantial help given by America under the Lend-Lease scheme. None the less, the Minister warned the House that the military calls on shipping might compel a reduction in food imports, with the result that rations might have to be reduced. But he spoke without alarm. What is happening in the food situation is planned. The Ministry aims at providing a reasonably balanced diet for the whole nation at a moderate price and
distributing what there is equitably. There have been some conspicuous failures. The distribution of eggs a little time ago was bungled. The winter milk-shortage was deplorable, but for that the Ministry of Agriculture must be held mainly respon. sible. The scandal of the Black Market has not yet been ended The Ministry must take measures to track the evil to Is source, and it ought to stop the extravagances which are in evidence at some of the big hotels and at night-clubs. But moo food in ordinary supply is controlled, and the index of food-prices is only 25 per cent. above pre-war. The Ministry is especially to be congratulated on its efforts in providing workers' canteens- a reform which it is to be hoped will survive the war.
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