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(9) Food and Agricultural Policy Full appreciation was expressed of the various measures taken by the Governments of individual countries to husband the available supplies of scarce foodstuffs, but it was pointed out by several members, notably Australia, Canada, and the United States, that much of the action was possible only because of special war powers, which had a restricted period of application." The Committee, while fully aware that it should give no impression of an attempt to influence the constitutional procedures of any country, felt that such special powers should be continued meantime wherever possible. It was recommended — That no material relaxation should be made in these economy measures, and that during the emergency period, where necessary, the Governments concerned should seek the necessary constitutional or legislative authority for maintaining them. The following discussions and recommendations have reference to the 1947-48 consumption year and therefore deal to an extent with longer-term problems, rather than those immediate problems relating to the period: — (1) Acreage of Food Crops Discussion on this item was very general and the representatives of various countries indicated how they proposed to increase production of bread grains in 1947—48 —some by directions to producers, some by guaranteed prices, and some by revision of price differentials to encourage wheat-produc-tion. It was regarded as important that details of proposed production programmes be supplied to FAO as early as possible. (2) Agricultural Supplies Again on this item the discussion was quite general, but the fact was recognized that mere increase in acreage would not ensure maximum production unless producers could secure auxiliary materials —sowing, cultivating, and harvesting machines, with tools and spares, tractors, pesticides, fertilizers. It was recommended that fertilizers should be used for the production of essential foodstuffs before attention was given to other crops and that countries should report to the lEFC as to their fertilizer control and distribution policies and the crops on which such fertilizers are being used. (3) Seeds In view of the importance that a shortage of suitable seeds should, not limit the planting programmes of any country, all Governments were urged to co-operate in providing adequate quantities of suitable seed at the necessary dates. It was stressed that importing countries must notify their requirements as early as possible. (4) Fats It was regarded as likely that the scarcity of feedstuffs would result in a shortage of animal fats continuing through 1947-48. Export supplies of vegetable fats, particularly from Far Eastern sources, have shown a decided drop, and the lack of transportation facilities and of consumer goods were cited as contributing factors. The recommendation of most interest to New Zealand reads: that in order to increase supplies of marine oils during the period of the emergency, the Governments signatory to the International

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