asked the Minister of Food why he has decided to export bacon to the United States of America, when there is not sufficient bacon in this country to meet our own needs.

We export only speciality products of high dollar-earning value; and the quantity is quite negligible in relation to our ration needs. Export licences issued so far have covered only 48 cwt. of canned ham.

Can the Minister tell us why, on 18th September, he sent a letter to the Shaftesbury Rural District Council asking them to appoint Lieut.-Colonel Green to be the meat inspector at the Dorset Bacon Company factory where about 300 pigs are killed a week?

I have not the foggiest idea what that is all about. Perhaps the hon. Member will write to me.