asked the Minister of Food what revenue his Department has received from the sale of raw hides and wool, respectively, for the years 1947, 1948, 1949 and 1950.

Following is the information:units with higher cost and lower output to continue in production.

The figures quoted by the hon. Member relate to 1947 when the fats ration was lower than it is now and the capacities mentioned are potential capacities if the factories work three shifts a day. At present the normal working capacities for making margarine and compound cooking fat are being fully used. The smaller firms in the industry have been allowed to resume production in accordance with a promise given when they were closed during the war.

asked the Minister of Food why delays are taking place in the wholesale deliveries of margarine and fats in the Leeds distribution area; and whether shortages will be made up.

Since the beginning of the year deliveries of margarine and cooking fat to wholesalers in certain areas have fallen behind a little because of sickness at the factories, difficulties in obtaining packing material and transport hold-ups. Any shortages which may have resulted will be made up; in most cases this has been done already.