asked the Minister of Food whether he will downpoint sweet and semi-sweet biscuits immediately, and give an assurance that these varieties of biscuits will be de-rationed by June, 1950.

I naturally want to take foods off the ration or downpoint them as soon as supplies allow, but obviously I cannot promise when that will be. I am told that sweet and semi-sweet biscuits are being bought readily at the present points values.

Is the Minister aware that the consuming public have been continuously denied their everyday requirements? Is he further aware that a ration-card-weary public will, at an early date, show their discontent by turning this Government out?

If the hon. Gentleman will exercise a little patience, he will find that in due course everything will be thoroughly satisfactory.