New Britain herald., 1916-11-17
BRITAIN in NEED
OF FOOD DICTATOR
But Nobody Appears Anxious to
Accept Position

London, Nov. liking George
signed yesterday the drastic regula-
lions that will place the nations food
supply under one-man control. Now
the big question in the minds of the
British public is, Who will be that
man?
There is no rush of notables to un-
dertake the thankless task of food
dictator. Batockis experience in Ger
many seems likely to deter the men
most suitable for the position.
The choice now seems to rest be-
tween Lord Miner former high COM
missioner for South Africa, and Lord
Davenport. The latter would, be the
more popular selection because Of his
unrlvalled shipping knowledge and his
control of the biggest provision bus
mess in Great Britain. Miner, how
ever, is perhaps more acceptable to
the government.
Some sections want Walter Runci-
man, who is responsible for the
scheme, to take the job himself, but
he may prefer to retain his position
as president of the board Of trade.
Seek Dry Britain.
The food situation has strength
ened the hands of the powerful pro-
hibition faction, and a bitter fight has
begun to make Great Britain dry
for the period of the war. A group of
members served notice in the house
of commons last night, following Mr..
Runciman's speech, that they would
Introduce shortly motion to pro-
hibit the manufacture Of all intoxi-
eating liquor.
The notice declared that prohibi-
ton was necessary in view of Mr..
Runciman's grave statements respect
ing the shortage Of sugar, corn and
other cereals.
THE Daily Chronicle" pointed out
that a vast amount of the necessities
Of life were being absorbed into the
production of liquor. 1t criticised the
powerful group of parliament allied
with the liquor interests
A petition recently was submitted
to the government by a thousand of
the most distinguished persons in the
empire, asking that all liquor licenses
be suspended for the duration of the
war. This petition was signed by lead
ers in art, literature, finance and in
dustry and many admirals and gen
erals.
Control Will Be Welcomed.
Taking the people as a whole the
new system of food control will be
welcomed. Housewives who are
m ainly affected, take the view that
the scheme will at least prevent fur
Their material rises in the price of
food 1t is officially admitted that
prices have risen IS per cent. since
the war began. .@@
The newspapers unanimously ap-
prove the Runciman plan. Sir Henry
Dalziel, M. P, summed up the opin-
ion of members of parliament, say
ing:
''It is the right step. 1t is a pity it
was not taken sooner"
The house of commons without d.
vision carried the resolution intro
duced by William A. S. Hew1ns,
IJniontst member for Hereford, prior
to the statement on the Question of
food supply by Mr.. Runc1man. me
resolution follows:
"In the opinion of the house 1t is
the duty of the government to adopt
further methods of organization to in
crease and conserve the national food
suppIy and to diminish the risk of
shortage and serious increase of
prices in the event of the war being
prolonged
The king has signed a proclama-
ton prohibiting the importation of
iewelry and all gold and silver manu-
featured except watches and watch
cases.