asked the Minister of Food if he can give an estimate of the average purchase of sweets and chocolates per head per week since the derationing of this product.

As far as can be estimated the average purchase of sweets and chocolates per head during the first four weeks of de-rationing has been between 6 and 8 oz. per week.

In view of the statement made on Monday that the question of sweet rationing would be taken up in the Autumn if there were not a full and proper supply by then, would my right hon. Friend say whether that would be reconsidered earlier in view of the difficult situation which exists at present with regard to obtaining sweets?

I can assure my hon. Friend that we are having weekly reports on the situation.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this conveys no picture at all of the sweets position, and that in many districts, particularly in the Liverpool area, children cannot buy any sweets in present circumstances?

I think that my right hon. Friend told the House on Monday that he was very much concerned at the position and that, if necessary, we should reimpose rationing.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that today even some of our Conservative constituents are writing to us asking for the reimposition of control?