BRITAIN’S FOOD SUPPLIES

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21224, 21 September 1940, Page 8

BRITAIN’S FOOD SUPPLIES

Intensive German air raids on Britain have applied a thorough test to the food distribution and conservation scheme, and there is cause for gratification that the Food Minister, Lord Woolton, regards the results with complete satisfaction. He declares that London’s food supplies have come through the ordeal so far much better than could have been hoped. If London supplies can withstand the shocks, depots in other parts of the British Isles should not experience much difficulty. The value of spreading supplies in depots throughout the country is now plainly apparent. If a shortage occurs in one area the deficiency can quickly be made good from another. Lord Woolton described the position in this way : The extent of the damage was, at the most, one day’s consumption of a particular commodity. Damage to other food commodities had not been more than could be put right by the population going without one meal. Such a state of affairs after a month of the most violent air attacks in history must be considered very satisfactory, especially as the raiders have been concentrating on food supplies in order to justify the German propaganda claims that Britain is being starved into submission. There is every indication that in spite of the worst the German bombers can do, Britain will never starve as long as command of the sea can be maintained.

“ I do not think the Food Ministry’s organisation has failed in any particular,” Lord Woolton said. To show how efficiently the organisation was working he explained that it had been found necessary to bring commodities for London from provincial stores to replace losses. Within 12 hours that supply had been transported from 200 miles away. This he described as a “ nice piece of work.” It does show that all the German bombing has not seriously impaired the efficiency of the transport system. Britain is very fortunate that at this time of supreme trial she is backed by an Empire and friendly neutral countries whose resources are almost without limit, and is served by a Navy which has so magnificently succeeded in keeping the seaways open.