asked the Minister of Food the number of officials in his Department who will be employed in connection with the sales of livestock.

rose—

On a point of order. Can anything be done to help private Members, Sir? I put a Question on eggs on the Order Paper to the Ministry of Food, but it has been transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture. Previously, the Ministry of Food answered similar Questions. We ought to stop this reprehensible and evasive action.

It has frequently been pointed out that the transference of Questions is entirely a matter for the Departments. It is impossible for me or the learned Clerk to know exactly what the bounds of Ministerial responsibility are.

About 1,200, directly employed.

Does the Parliamentary Secretary think that this considerable staff will be adequate?

We hope that it will be adequate.