asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether members of the public have a right of appeal to the Minister of Food against decisions of local or regional food control committees, especially where permission has not been granted by these committees for an individual to change his retailer?

Members of the public have no "statutory" right of appeal to the Minister of Food against decisions of local food control committees or divisional food officers. In practice, however, all appeals against decisions are carefully considered.

In view of the fact that certain local food committees like to give the impression that they have complete dictatorial powers in this matter, will my hon. Friend see that his answer is circulated, so that the general public know that they have an opportunity of appealing to the Minister?

I cannot accept the implication in the Supplementary Question, but I think that my original answer will satisfy the hon. and gallant Member's desire.

Is it not well known that any person can appeal to a Minister?