Great Britain

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 21, 19 December 1916, Page 5

Great Britain

FOOD RESTRICTIONS. THE FIRST IN BRITAIN. PUBLIC MEALS AFFECTED. INCREASED COST OF LIVING. i Press Association—Copyright, Austra lian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received 8.4 b a.m.) London, December 18. The first food restrictions to come into force in Britain will operate today, commencing. with restricted meals at hotels and restaurants.' Officials of the Food Control Department are enquiring into the amount of the sugar stocks, and it is expected that the ration will be fixed at three-quarters of a pound per head weekly. Britain, however, is paying considerably less than is the ( case in the enemy capitals. The average increase in the price of staple foods in the United Kingdom since the war began is eighty-four per cent., compared to 109 per cent, in Berlin and 176 in Vienna.

The largest increase in Britain is in eggs, sugar, fish, potatoes, and frozen mutton, which are two to three times 'dearer. Margarine, milk, and tea show the smallest increases. Including rent, clothing, fuel, and light, a family whose pre-war income was 40s per week require 64s to have the same comfort.