D.S. RISING PRICES

Grey River Argus, 27 February 1943, Page 5

D.S. RISING PRICES

BLACK MARKETING

Farmers to Get More for Produce

[Aust. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] (Rec 9.55) WASHINGTON, Feb. 25. The U.S. 'Senate has passed a oil! by seventy-seven to two, prohibiting the deduction of benefit payments in the calculating of farm prices. Thus there has been deleted one ol 'tne main planks of the Roosevelt Admniistrat on’s parity prices formula, which means partly nullifying the stabilisation order regarding farm price ceilings.’ The Democratic leader, Senator BarklejV said that he supported this measure with some trepidation, tie hoped that the passage would not raise 'the farm produce prices to a' point leading to runaway inflation The O.P.A. director. Mr. Brown has revealed that the current campaign wain.st meat black markets has resulted Un the indictment of 420 firms and individuals in New York and in other large cities during three weexs. Ma'ny additional prosecutions are in preparation. Mr. Brown added that goal .sentences, not fines, were necessary here 'to 'discourage black market'ng But the chief weapon would be the whole-hearted public refusal of patronage. The Agriculture Secretary Mr. Wickard, asserted: “The food black markets are worse than the “speakeasies” were in the prohibition era. They) represent a potential threat of one of the vilest of war weapons. If food resources are wasted, it will prolong the war. It may prevent a sound, lasting peace.” He declared: Civilians can obtain all adequate diet under the present rationing programme, but they must forego lavish eating. Mr Donald Nelson told the press that the United States would be able t 0 supply and equip an armed force of over eleven million during 1943, without resorting 'to bearock civilian economy. He said he did not know how much fat can still be pared oft the civilian economy, but it was inevitable that; civ’lians must make additional adjustments. Mr. Nelson denied reports that he intended to resign. He pointed out: “Decisions that I make disturb tne nation’s economy. For that I am criticised. But I cannot and will not resign. There is a war on I have a job to do.”