BRITAIN’S FOOD

Gisborne Times, Volume LXVIII, Issue 10752, 24 November 1928, Page 5

BRITAIN’S FOOD

PROPOSED BULK PURCHASES

BY GOVERNMENT.

AMENDMENT AGAINST STATE INTERFERENCE.

BOTH WITHDRAWN IN LORDS

after discussion

Gotten Pros* Abbu. by El. Tel. Oop.vrleni Australian' press Assn.—United Service

LONDON, Nov. 22. lii the House of Lords, Lord De La Wan- moved in favor of Government bulk purchasers of wheat and meat in older to stabilise prices. Hi? pointed out that 80 per cent, of Britain’s consumption of wheat and 50 per cent, of her meat wore imported, and those were controlling factors on the price of home-grown products. Lord Ferros ' moved an amendment objecting to the Government entrance into commeicial trading, which was against the public interest..

Lord Bledisloo said England had just had the host harvest for 30 rears, but not a single crop showed a profit, except sugar beet, which was artificially supported by Government money. A solution of the problem lay in the co-operation of credit facilities. He was sure overseas producers would not desire to be unfair competitors of their follow farmers in Britain. Lord Stradbroke said the Government was opposed to the nationalisation of most of the country’s trado and foodstuffs. War-time experience had shown that food control was a most costly business. He said the most serious objection was that every pries movement due to world conditions would have political reactions. Political relations with the Dominions and with foreign, countries, would become involved. The Imperial Conference committee had reported against the proposition.

Both the. amendment and the motion wrre withdrawn