asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that numerous resolutions arc being passed by local authorities, food committees, old age pensioners' associations and other bodies requesting price concessions and increased supplies to old age pensioners in respect of milk, tea, sugar and tobacco; and whether the Government is prepared to give further consideration to any of these requests?

A number of resolutions have been sent to my Department urging that some classes of consumers, including old age pensioners, should be allowed increased rations. I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Ealing (Sir F. Sanderson) on f4th April, to which I have nothing to add. As regards price concessions, no representations have been received except in regard to the National Milk Scheme, but as has been explained on several occasions my Noble Friend feels bound to restrict the benefit of the National Milk Scheme to the mothers and young children.