asked the Minister of Food whether he will consider placing building operatives in rural areas on the same ration basis as agricultural workers.

Building operatives are on the same domestic ration basis as agricultural workers, except that the latter are eligible for the special cheese ration. The special cheese ration is allowed to clearly definable categories of workers permanently employed under conditions which prevent them from taking advantage of canteen or other catering facilities, but I am advised that there is no definable category of men permanently engaged on building operations in rural areas.