asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether women doing men's work will be placed in the same position as men in regard to food rations?

The claims of women to a supplementary ration are considered on their merits, having regard to the severity of the work to be performed, and any women doing really heavy work receive supplements. The larger general ration now provided is sufficient for the great bulk of women without any supplement.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food how many distribution officers and assistants have been appointed in the country, and at what annual cost; whether they are necessary; and whether the work could equally well be done by existing firms?

Seventy-two distribution officers, including assistants, have been appointed in the country. The annual cost of their salaries is £21,204. These officers undertake a wide variety of work in connection with national rationing and superintend the distribution of food under the general supervision of the Food Commissioners in each district. I am satisfied in the circumstances that their special appointment was necessary.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether a firm was recently fined for selling tea at less than the controlled price; and can he state what is the policy involved in the creation of this offence?

Yes, Sir. The maximum retail price of tea was made a fixed price in order to prevent traders in a large way of business from selling at cost price, or even at a loss, for the purpose of gaining custom at the expense of small retailers, who have at once a right to live and a distinct value for purposes of distribution.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that, in consequence of the Strawberries Order, tons of ripe strawberries are at present rotting on the ground, and the growers refuse to gather them?

It is of vital importance that the utmost possible quantity of fruit should be made into jam. The prices for fruit have been fixed with the concurrence of the Board of Agriculture, with a view to enabling the growers to perform a patriotic duty without loss. They are considerably higher than any recent prices for fruit for jam making. I can hardly believe that the facts are as stated by the hon. Member, but if he will let me have particulars of the cases he has in mind, I will see that steps are taken immediately to deal with the situation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is entirely the wrong kind of strawberry which is being held up by this Order, and that the largo strawberry is suitable only for eating, and not at all suitable for jam-making?

That is a side of the question as to which we are considering whether anything can be done.

Does not my right hon. Friend realise that the fruit may be all wasted while this consideration is going on, and would it not be worth while to fix prices which, if left to operate, would be likely to prevent this fruit from being condemned to be destroyed?

Certainly, if it be true that people will not gather the fruit at a price which is higher than that of last week, and let the fruit go to waste.

Has the right hon. Gentleman consulted the Board of Agriculture, as there are plenty of men who can give information on this subject?

Yes; and various agricultural committees in addition.

In regard to the fact that there are large quantities of strawberries left ungathered, will the right hon. Gentleman consult the Board of Agriculture on that subject?

I propose to do that now.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information of his own on the question?

In this, as in the case of many other articles, there are very general charges made and rumours circulated, and we desire to locate the beds of strawberries.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that large strawberries remain good for only three or four days, and that before long there will be no large strawberries left?

asked the Minister of Reconstruction what steps have been taken by his Department to secure raw materials for trade on the conclusion of the War; and whether facilities are being granted to British industries to secure raw materials in neutral countries?

The steps necessary to secure an adequate supply of raw materials after the War are being dealt with by different groups of experts, who are reporting to me in respect of individual materials or groups of materials. Action has already been taken in different directions, and many of the issues involved will be submitted by my right hon. Friend the Colonial Secretary to the Imperial Conference for consideration. Regard is, of course, had to the available sources of supply in neutral countries.

Has the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been called to the fact of the enormous supplies of raw material that the Germanic Powers are supposed to have accumulated, and can he say whether any large amount of raw materials have been provisionally provided for?

That forms a separate question.