COST OF FOOD.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2221, 6 August 1914, Page 6

COST OF FOOD.

THE ATTITUDE OF THE GOVERNMENT REGARDING INFLATED PRICES. The Prime Minister (the Right Hon. W. F. Ma&sey) made a statement in the Houso of Representatives yesterday, afternoon regarding the probable action of the Government to prevent abnormal and unjustifiable raising of the prices of foodstuffs. .... "Reports have reached me," said Mr. Massey, "to the effect that .evidently owing to the possibility of Britain being involved-in war a' sharp increase -, has . taken place in the price of foodstuffs, par ? tioularly flour. I have'been trying to get correct information on this point: whether there is sufficient wheat and flour in the country to last until next I have not been able . to. get correct information, but I linvo>. reason to believe that there is , sufficient in the country to servo the population until next harvest is gathered. However, I want to say this, that if it bccomes necessary, or if there is any evidence to show that thero is any intention on the part of merchants of exploiting the community .on account of. what is taking place in Europe, this Government is prepared to ask Parliament to take drastic aotion to assist in preventing anything of the sort." ■ Mr. Atmore: It will be wanted. Sir Joseph Ward said that if .the Government would introduce a Bill the House .would pass it unanimously. The matter was going to. be one of great difficulty, and there ought to be some controlling power-to prevent ■ anybody making an abnormal' profit out of food supplies 'or coal, or even out of chattels, securities,' and mortgages falling due; In his opinion the Ministry of the day should be given power to prevent other than what were. shown' to lie fair charges being made, and to prevent any advantage being taken' by people who in times of. this, kind tried to make, abnormal profits. ' . Mr. Davey. They are taking advantage of it'now. ~' ... Sir 'Joseph' Ward said'the Opposition would help the,-, Government in this matter. . .Mr. Massey: In reply to the honourable gentleman, I may say that the matter has already,been under the consideration of the Government. This . morning ' some. prominent business men in Wellington, whose names I don't propose to mention have been consulted. I' don t know .whether the House'is aware of it, ..but -there is already provision in our, statutes: 'for an emergency such as has occurred. If honourable members will turn to the Monopolies Prevention Act, they will see that this matter may be referred to the Arbitration Court. . Mr. Wilford: TOo slow". _ " ! \ - ' ' Mr. Massey: I know it is too slow, and •that is what was before the Government this morning.' What we want to do is to set up a special board to deal with these matters. ,v..', , , • . Mr.' Wilford': Can't we do>it to-day?-Mr: -Massey. I will answer that question if the honourable gentleman will ask it-'after the next business. •' '■■■ ', ; ■ (The next "business" was the, adjournment to hear the Governor's Proclamation and Mr. Wilford.did not again ask his question.) .