STAVING OFF HUNGER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26197, 6 July 1946, Page 6

STAVING OFF HUNGER

The dismay with which the Government’s decision to institute

bread-rationing was received by the people of Great Britain was reflected in the bitter tone of the debate in the House of Commons on the food position. The criticism from the Opposition that the Government had not displayed reasonable foresight in dealing with the shortage has a certain amount of point, but, since the needs could be met only from outside sources, and chiefly from the United States, it is doubtful if this error has been responsible to any great extent for the serious step which has now had to be taken. The British people were given an early warning that rationing must continue after the war, but if the position was not fully realised there, it certainly was not appreciated in the countries which had it in their power to make the major contributions. American opinion has been slow to react and. as late as midApril, President Truman made the damaging statement that the worst might be over in ninety days, According to the latest estimates given by the British Minister of Food, Mr Strachey, there will remain in the country only eight weeks’ supply of grain by the end of August, unless new supplies are forthcoming. Part of Great Britain’s difficulties are due to the almost culpable generosity with which the Government has continued to send anything that might be spared to Europe, especially to Germany, and to India and South Africa. That greatly-needed assistance can be continued no longer, and the British people themselves have to accept bread rationing. The fact that it is claimed that the savings will amount only to between five and 10 per cent, is in itself an indication of the gravity of the situation. In previous efforts to eke out supplies of vital foods, supplies of brewers’ barley have been reduced, the output of biscuits has been cut by 25 per cent., and the allocation of sugar and fats for flour confectionery and cakes has been similarly curtailed. The extraction rate of wheat is now 90 per cent., as compared with 73 per cent, before the war, and one effect of this will be to reduce the supplies of feeding stuffs for animals, and may cause, indirectly, a further decrease in other foodstuffs, including milk and eggs. Bound up with Great Britain’s plight is the plight of the British zone of Germany. Mr Strachey has stated that 120,000 tons of wheat will have to be shipped each month from America if the ration is not to be further reduced. The effects of a further reduction in the rations, he has pointed out, would be incalculable. “ If the calory

ration breaks down,” he said, “it must be for the United States to decide whether it is facing these consequences.” Such an admission could be made only under extreme pressure of circumstances. It is a telling reminder that the steps taken by other Governments do not justify a complacent attitude in the minds of the people that further action is not necessary. The incoming harvests are fully pledged and British reserves, at least, are almost exhausted. It is therefore essential that those who are in a position to make a voluntary curtailment of their individual consumption should do so. On this point, tlfe Economist commented recently: “ Quantitatively the contribution might not be large, but the effects on the givers would be considerable, and on the receivers sufficient at least to save many lives.” This latest revelation of the food position has a significance for the Government and people of New Zealand. Our production, particularly of wheat, should be stimulated, and all efforts to save foodstuffs should be encouraged. It cannot be claimed that we' have approached our maximum efforts in these directions.