BRITAIN'S PART.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15753, 21 November 1916, Page 7

BRITAIN'S PART.

| THE FOOD PROBLEM. INTEREST IN LONDON. (By Cable.—Press Aseoeiation.—Copyright.) (Australian and 2s.Z, Cable Association.) (Received November 20th, 7.20 p.m.J . LONDON, November 19. The newspapers are featuring the food problem, and are discussing the appointment and policy of the Food Controller, and the prospect of lowering prices, which are still rising. Mr W. Runciman, President of the Board of Trade, will meet on Wednesday the managers of the chief hotels and restaurants, with a view to abolishing waste and cutting down the menu. It is suggested that all hotel meals should consist of a maximum of three courses, or the alternative of the French

i system of a graduated tax upon meals. Luxurious waste is prevailing in the "West-end hotels and restaurants, which are crowded nightly. INCREASED PRODUCTION. (United Service.) LONDON, November 19. The food regulations have but little affected prices. There is a slight increase in the price of English meat. Potatoes are being largely withheld owinjr to tho uncertainty as to whether the Government is to take over tho supply. The Food Prices Commission favours a fixed prieo for wheat. Experts advocate the Government offering British farmers fixed rates fo r the 1917 crop in order to stimulate cultivation. Important journals urge that the solution is increased home production, increased tonnage, and tho opening of the Black Sea, with tho nccossitv for an immediate effort to increase mercantile tonnage.