BRITAIN’S FOOD PLANS

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20734, 18 February 1939, Page 16 (Supplement)

BRITAIN’S FOOD PLANS

Could Be Brought into Effect in 24 Hours

Elaborate plans have been made by the British Government for feeding the population in the event of These plans, which could be brought into effect within 2 4 hours, include— National rationing of perishable foodstuffs. Arrangements for feeding local communities by 1500 food officers. Special transport arrangements, and supplementing of the normal channels of supply if necessary. The, arrangements were described by Sir Henry L. French. Director of the Food Defence Plans Department of the British Board of Trade, to representatives of the food trades at the inaugural luncheon of the Grocers’ Exhibition at the Agricultural Hall, London. “The general principle,” Sir Henry declared, “has been followed that, so far as possible, traders will, after food control has been imposed, continue to obtain their supplies from the same source, as they have beeu doing before hostilitie®

"But we must bear in mind that, owing to the necessity for economising transport and. possibly, owing to enemy action, the need may arise from time to time to modify, and if necessary supplement, existing peace-time 1 arrangements. “Port and area committees have been set up and leading members of the food trade have been appointed. ■ “There has been general acceptance j of the vie*.- that if a depot, should be j damaged or destroyed, neighbouring | establishments must be looked to imj mediately to fill the gap. 1 “A nation-wide organisation has rej eently been set up with a view to experienced people in every locality ! being available to assist in the distribution of perishable commodities, such as bacon, butler, margarine, cheese, cooking fats. etc. “We have thought it prudent to devise a skeleton scheme which could, if the need arose, be brought into operation. “On the outbreak of hostilities every