BRITISH FOOD.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 February 1919, Page 2

BRITISH FOOD.

['AUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION] THE FOOD PROBLEM. LONDON, Fob. 20. The Labour Gazette states the average increase in the retail prices of foodstuffs has been 230 per cent, since July 1914. LONDON, Fob. 20. In response to an insistent public demand, the Government lias appointed a committee to consider the prices at which the Treasury's vast stocks of food should he sold. The Chancellor would permit sales below the purchase price. The Food Controller is reducing tlie price of moat by two pence per round on the first of March. The Controller states he is prepared to remove from control any particular article of food when the supplies thereof are abundant, and to trust to competition to reduce the cost of distribution to the lowest possible point.

THE MINISTRY’S SUPPLIES (Received This Dav at 9.25 a.m.) LONDON, Feb. 19. The Food Controller stated that, the food stocks of the country mainly, held by the Ministry of Food, which arc # now being released .include 96,700 tons of beef and mutton, 34,500 tons of canned meat, 64,600 tons of bacon, 16,000 tons of cheese. In addition there are large stocks in New Zealand which will not have reached England until June. There are 12,400 tons of butter and ample supplies of margarine, 364,000 tons of sugar, 15.-000 tons of tea. No new ration hooks are being printed- It niaafe he necessary to control meat and bufter after the present books al'o exhausted on April 30th. It is anticipated next month will show an appreciable fall in food prices.