asked the Minister of Food what improvement there has been during the last financial year in the supply of fats to fish friers; and whether he expects any increase in the present financial year.

During the last financial year arrangements were made whereby no fish frier now receives less than four cwt. of fat for each eight week period. In addition more than 3,000 new licences were granted. There is no prospect of any further increase in the next few months, but consideration will be given to the needs of new housing estates.

Is not the right hon. Lady aware that, even with the improvement that there has been in the industrial areas, there is a very great feeling that the present ration is quite insufficient, and will she again review the subject with the idea of increasing the ration?

We are always looking at it. I, of course, realise that every area would like a little more fat for fried fish.

Can the right hon. Lady tell us who are her advisers as to local requirements in these cases? Are they from the local food committee?

We have local committees.

in view of the shortage of meat and the desperate need for more fried fish and chips, is it not possible to purchase more fats from other countries like New Zealand, where I understand they are available?

I can assure the hon. and gallant Gentleman that we look at every country where we believe that there is fat available.