Record High Prices for all Basic Commodities During 1941; Area in Grip of Conflict Shanghai, Jan, 19.
'N its annual report the $.M.C, Supplies Sub-Committee notes that during, 1940 the cost of foodstuffs, specially rice, soared to record figures due to factors beyond its control.
'The Committee stated that it was satisfied that the fundamental cause for these high prices was the fact"that the Shanghai area has been in the trip' of a conflict since 1937, and that supplies from the terrain outside Shanghai has been under military control.
"So long as farmers and suppliers are prevented from having a free market for their commodities," the report says," prices of necessaries within the two foreign settlements of Shanghai must exceed normal.
The committee corsig's of Sir Robert Cilder-Marshall, "chairman), Mesera, E. M. Gran. 'P. Hoelmko, L, W. Hution, W. J. Lee, W. Mellor, Di. K. Sugimurd and departmental representatives, TI. was noted. how ever, tht the authorities concerned ture instituting measures to improve the situation wherever possible, "At the end of Feburary 3 sub-committee was appointed and advised the cou cil' {9 follow a scheme. of price-control similar to that proposed by the French Concession authorities, this being adopted by the $.N.C, Match 13. During the year 198/pet-were prosecuted for offending gulnst -Uhe proclamation announcing penalties for hoarding and speculate Ing in foodstuffs, (On April 13 the Counett published notification that prosecution would be" instituted against anyone not dis playing, price tags on basic commodities, his made it easy for buyers to compare prices and" purchase the lowest market, Tt was felt that this move would encourage sellers to keep their prices us low as possi-bile,
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