Letter from [William B Hardy] to W J Ashley Informs Ashley that [A W] Flux and [T B] Wood are working out figures on population at the Ministry of Food. Notes that 'the need for a co-ordinating body is the raison d'etre of the Royal Society Committee' -- discusses the lack of structure in the Ministry of Food and points out that the choice of persons based on rank 'is lamentable, Rew's policy being merely laisser faire optimism' -- notes that the Committee has the ear of every body including the [War] Cabinet, except the Ministry. Suggests that it would be possible for the Committee to appeal directly to the Cabinet. 29 March 1917