asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if she will consider applying a subsidy to gluten-free flour because of its considered beneficial effects in a range of diseases; and if she will make a statement.

I have every sympathy with those restricted to a gluten-free diet. However, the purpose of the food subsidy programme is to hold down the cost of a range of basic foodstuffs regularly by the majority of households, and it would not be practicable to introduce further subsidies to meet the needs of all special groups.