BRITAIN'S FOOD RESERVES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22388, 7 April 1936, Page 10

BRITAIN'S FOOD RESERVES

Uneasiness in Britain over food supplies in the event of war is the subject of an article in the Times. It is not the custom of the Times to engage in discussions that arise because of sectional panic, but even if the information presented is merely a kind of stocktaking balance, it demands the close study of every unit in the Empire. Production in Great Britain has increased by 14 per cent since the advent of the National Government, it is said. A policy of self-sufficiency, states the Times, would create disastrous repercussions, particularly in the Dominions. Self-sufficiency in the matter of food could not, however, be achieved by Britain in measurable time. While there is opportunity for increased production through more scientific methods, events have proved that when grain-growing is extended into the marginal lands it has been largely at the expense' of meat pro duction. Under the best methods it would take generations, if ever, to make Britain self-sufficient in the matter of food, and therefore the risks of war must embrace the security of the ocean highways. It is affirmed that the port 'stores of Britain contain only 10 -days' wheat supply and the suggestion is made that they should be filled to capacity, a quantity representing 10 weeks' supply, by the Government adopting a system of buying and holding. There may be no immediate menace but the discussion of the question at least must draw particular attention to what the Times calls the obvious precaution of increasing the Navy and Air Force to ensure the. efficient policing of the seas. It would be of no value to Britain in the event of war to know that Canada and Australia contained vast supplies of wheat and that New Zealand had large quantities of meat, butter and cheese ready for export, if delivery were not ensured. Certainty of delivery would depend upon a widelydistributed Navy and air 'strength at strategic points. For patrol duties more cruisers are essential.