BRITAIN’S FOOD

Grey River Argus, 9 January 1941, Page 6

BRITAIN’S FOOD

MEAT SHORTAGE Further Ration Cut Indicated [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] LONDON, January 7. Lord Woolton said the position of meat supplies was admittedly difficult. He indicated that little relief can be expected v for a fortnight. “If we find we cannot live up to the shilling and sixpence ration, we shall reduce it, but during what I believe to be a temporary meat shortage, I do not want to deprive the public of any more than is necessary.’’

Food Speculation DEALERS EXPLOITING SITUATION RUGBY, January 7. An order will shortly be made, coming into operation on Monday next, making it illegal to sell a' large range of unrationed foodstuffs at prices higher than those which prevailed on December 2. Lord Wooltcn said: “I am convinced that a considerable number of new people are coming into the food trade, as dealers and middlemen and as option buyers. They are operating on a market in which you. cannot lose, only because the reduction of our imports of certain classes of commodities render those articles a very profitable field for speculation. The issue of the order is the first stage in stabilising the prices operating on December 2. The next stage is that during the course of a' month from now, we will isue a price order for all these articles which will be drawn up in consultation with the trade, and having regard to the prices current on December 2. I have reason to know that in taking this action, I support legitimate traders, food manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers. The food traders in Britain have done a good job since the outbreak, and I do not want to spoil it by the introduction of speculation.”