A—l

(9) Acquisition and Handling Programmes Large additional quantities of food, especially grain, will have to be mobilized in 1946-47 to closq the gap between supplies and needs. _ It will be extremely difficult to obtain such supplies if action is deferred till later in the consumption year, and there will be danger of distortion of prices unlessi such large supply programmes are carefully co-ordinated. The movement of large additional quantities of grain will create serious problems in transportation to seaboard and in shipping. There are important advantages in storing foodstuffs as near as possible to the points of consumption, provided such stocks can be husbanded by responsible authorities. The Committee recommends — (a) That the IBFC immediately determine how large a quantity of grain will be required to meet the gap, over and above assumed exports. (b) That the lEFC consult with the Governments concerned to secure that the necessary additional quantities of grain are acquired by appropriate agencies immediately after harvest. (c) That steps be taken by Governments, severally or in co-operation, to ensure that prices of these or related products are not upset by these emergency measures. (d) That Governments, when necessary, take special steps to transport to points of shipment or consumption sufficient quantities of food to cover the winter period of interrupted, transportation. (e) That, if necessary, Governments should consider as an emergency measure to ensure the movement of this food the utilization of shipping that might otherwise be out of commission. (/) That the lEFC should immediately ascertain what quantities of what foods could usefully be stored in deficit countries early in the consumption year, and what countries will need to be supplied more regularly through the season. (10) Potatoes The Committee has been reminded of the important role of potatoes in the diets of many peoples, Although no further action can be taken at this stage to increase the 1946 harvest, nevertheless important steps can be taken to make a larger quantity of this foodstuff available for human use. The Committee therefore recommends — (а) That Governments should give consideration to acquiring the crop and to the control of harvesting, distribution, and consumption; (б) That Governments discourage the harvesting of main-crop potatoes before they are fully matured, except in countries producing two or more potato crops annually; (c) That the use of edible potatoes for alcohol and other industrial purposes be drastically curtailed and, where possible, prohibited (where potatoes are still used for these purposes, full information should be supplied to the lEFC); (d) That potatoes be fed to live-stock only in cases where it is impossible to make them available for human consumption; (e) That, where necessary, Governments make special arrangements to provide transportation of potatoes to urban centres before the end of the year in quantities sufficient to last through the cold period;

27