17 MARCH 1917, Page 2

Our comment can only be one of amazement. (1) Either

the Government are fooling us when, speaking through the mouth of the Prime Minister or of Sir Edward Carson, they tell us we are in deadly peril owing to shortage of food; or (2) the Food Controller is fooling us by not insisting that not an ounce of sugar or of barley shall be used for any other purpose than food. Even a War Coali- tion Government cannot have it both ways.