asked the Minister of Food whether, in connection with the dried egg which has been, or is about to be purchased from the United States of America, he will give the approximate date of the manufacture of this dried egg and an assurance that no part of the quantities purchased have been manufactured for more than three years.

It was all made in 1949.

May we be quite sure that the Government will not lend themselves to the purchase of dried egg which is over two years old, in view of the large quantities which exist in many parts of the world? May I have that assurance?

The hon. Gentleman may have that assurance. We have the word of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that this sale is from 1949 production.