	To observe the provisions of this enactment. The most important objectives of this enactment are to control the supply and distribution of commodities and to maintain a stable price level. In regard to both these aspects. I am afraid that the government has failed to realise the objectives in view. Some time past when there was scarcity of foodgrains, attempts were made to make procurement from certain wholesale merchants and from rice mills. In my own state, I know of many instances of such procurement where, after making known that certain things had to be done and certain steps had to be taken by the merchant community, nothing was done later on by the government, when they found that these very orders of the government were violated. As a result of the violations, there was a consequent rise in the prices of foodgrains. In respect of other commodities like iron and steel.
	Paper, we see a lot of speculative activities, but the provisions of the act have not been brought to bear on them. Perhaps, no case of prosecution was launched against those people who contravened the various provisions of the act. We are interested to know in how many cases the government have taken steps to prosecute individuals who have violated the various sections of the act. The Minister said that the powers under the act were not adequate. We sympathise with the food minister but I want to know what action has been taken in this regard by the various state governments. In regard to the amending provision, I want to know from the minister what would be his difficulty even if minor offences are taken to courts of law. The industrial policy resolution of 1948 was good so far as it went. But, unfortunately, the spirit of it could not be understood or appreciated by the common man in this country.
