asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware of the great difficulty of obtaining bananas for persons suffering from cœliac disease; and whether he will take immediate steps to hasten the existing procedure which is responsible for the delays.

The existing arrangements for supplying dried bananas to cœliac patients should not cause difficulty or delay. I am investigating the case to which the hon. Member has drawn attention, and will communicate with him when my inquiries are complete. Meanwhile a month's supply of dried bananas has been sent to the child in question.