asked the Minister of Food if, in view of the fact that many old people are dying from semi-starvation owing to their inability to stand in queues to get food, he will empower local authorities to set up mobile kitchens supplying hot meals to the aged and infirm.

As my right hon. Friend said in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Wycombe (Mr. Haire) on 15th December he is prepared to consider applications from local authorities or any other reputable bodies to operate mobile meals services for supplying hot meals to the aged and infirm where a real need can be established.