FOOD PRICES

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10206, 17 February 1919, Page 5

FOOD PRICES

I BRITISH GOVERNMENT CONSIDERING REDUCTION. Australian and N.Z. Oable Association. GReceivod February IS, 5.0 p.m.) LONDON, February 13. la the House of Commons, Mr Banar Law said it was questionable whether Government control caused the high prices of foodstuffs. The Government was >at present considering how to reduce prices.; The suggestion was without foundation that the Treasury was interfering for the purpose of selling at itß-own pricos. TREASURY READY TO CUT ITS LOSSES. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received February 16, 11.45 p.m.) LONDON, February 14-. The Food Minister, Mr G. H. RobI erts, denies that the Ministry of Food is holding up supplies. He says that nothing worse could happen than to release the control, bo sending prices up. The Treasury is prepared to out its losses on food stocks. When a particular commodity becomes stable the Treasury is prepared to unload its stocks at the world price, regardless of losses. ■ ■■■> Mr Clynes, in an interview, said that no substantial reduction in food prices was probable until greatly increased pv'orseas supplies arrived. A COMMITTEE AFPOINTEJD. ' and N.Z. CaMe Association. 11,(Received February 16, 5.5 p.m.) ,';',"■'■-' LONDON, February 14. Believing that food prices are largely the cause of the industrial nnrost, the Premier is appointing a Cabinet Committee to ocnsider means [of. reducing prices.