asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the shortage of popular brands of cigarettes is markedly greater in Birmingham than in most other parts of the country; and whether he will take steps to remedy this discrepancy.

I do not control the distribution of cigarettes and tobacco, but I have no reason to suppose that the position in Birmingham is worse than in a number of other large towns.

Is my hon. Friend aware that in Birmingham one never sees the popular brands of cigarettes on show, whereas in London one frequently does?

I am quite prepared to bring this to the notice of the principal suppliers. That is all I can do.