asked the Minister of Food in what publication he intends to make available the figures of food consumption in this country formerly published in his Department's bulletin.

The Board of Trade Journal.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell the House how frequently these figures will be published and whether they will be as comprehensive as those at present available in the Ministry of Food Bulletin?

It is intended that they will be of the same character as have hitherto been published. Hitherto, the full figures have been published annually. They were last published in the Ministry of Food Bulletin for 29th May and it is proposed to publish this year's figures about the same time next year in the Board of Trade Journal.

Does not this information indicate that the hon. Gentleman's Department is to be absorbed by the Board of Trade?

indicated dissent.