asked the Minister of Agriculture what is the amount of feedingstuff rations that are not taken up at the present time, compared with the same period in 1949.

The latest information I have is that in the six months ending 31st December last, the value of feedingstuffs coupons issued but not used was of the order of 300,000 tons or about 10 per cent. of the total coupon issue. This figure takes no account of any ration coupons to which farmers may have been entitled but for which they did not apply. As coupons are valid for two months some of these arrears may be taken up this quarter. The amount not taken up in the corresponding period of 1948 was negligible.