asked the Prime Minister whether he can make a statement on the peace proposals recently brought by certain British subjects from Eire?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the statement made in answer to similar Questions on Monday.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the publicity given to these proposals is liable to be misunderstood abroad? If any such proposals are made in future, will they be discounted immediately?

I should have thought that the impression tube drawn from the answer I gave on Monday achieved the result which my hon. and gallant Friend desires; but, if not, I should like to say now that our opinion is that the proposals were discounted.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the threats made against this country by the German leaders in an attempt to intimidate the general public, he will now adopt a similar practice against the German public with a view to destroying their morale?

In my noble Friend's opinion, the German leaders have signally failed in their attempts to lower the morale of the Allies. For this, among other reasons, my Noble Friend would be reluctant to recommend the adoption of similar tactics by His Majesty's Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the fact that independent aircraft operators have been notified that the bulk of their fleet is to be impressed, he will undertake that, if this occurs, the companies concerned will be given an opportunity of utilising their highly-trained and technical organisations upon the repairing of damaged Service aircraft, thereby enabling them to be in a position to resume their normal activities after the war, and preventing the creation of a monopoly in air transport by the railway companies?

I see considerable technical difficulties in the hon. Member's suggestion, but I am ready to arrange that any proposals the companies may submit shall be examined.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will make arrangements whereby London, and perhaps other centres, may see something of the men of the Royal Air Force who are engaged day by day in operations round our coasts and over the North Sea and enemy territory, so that public tribute may be paid to them as it was to the men of "Exeter" and "Ajax"?

I much appreciate my hon. Friend's suggestion, but regret that, in present circumstances, it would be impracticable to make the arrangements desired.

Is the Minister perfectly satisfied that he is giving adequate protection and assistance to the Navy in the North Sea?

I would hardly say that the protection is adequate; but I am sure the hon. Gentleman will appreciate that we are doing our utmost.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that, although some craftsmen employed at a Royal Air Force station in Scotland have received increased pay to meet the rising cost of living, this has been refused to the steel fixers, who are receiving 1s. 6d. per hour as in pre-war days, although 1s. 8d. per hour is the rate at which such workers are being advertised for in Fife Employment Exchanges; and will he take steps to remedy this anomaly?

I am informed that none of the workers referred to by the hon. Member is being paid less than the standard rate of wage for the work on which they are engaged.

Is the Minister aware that I have information from men working at one of these stations to the effect that they are being paid less than the advertised rate? Will he give his attention to this matter?

Certainly; if the hon. Member will let me have particulars, I will gladly consider them.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the publicity given to the appointment of the Air Transport Auxiliary, he will define the terms of service of men and women in this service?

As the answer is somewhat detailed, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what steps he has taken to stop the junior members of his Department requisitioning land without proper consultation with the owners beforehand, as has recently been the case in Oxfordshire, thereby not carrying out their instructions from his Department; and what disciplinary action has been taken against the official concerned?

There is no instruction to officers of my Department that the owners of property must invariably be consulted before a requisition is served. Normally, the occupier of the land is interviewed, and, where possible, the owner is given early notification of my Department's intentions. It would be impracticable in every case to insist on prior consultation with owners, in view of the urgency with which requirements must be met in time of war.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can make any statement with regard to the attack on a British aircraft by British fighter aircraft over North Kent on Sunday, 3rd March?

No, Sir. This regrettable accident is being investigated by a Court of Inquiry.

Will my right hon. Friend take care that it is not too readily assumed that this was only a human error, and will he carefully investigate the system and see whether any changes are necessary?

Yes, Sir. an investigation will be made.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the number and types of civil aircraft which it is at the moment proposed to permit Imperial Airways, Limited, and British Airways, Limited, to order from overseas during 1940?

It is not at the moment proposed that Imperial Airways and British Airways should order any new civil aircraft from overseas during 1940.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can make any statement with regard to the missing Imperial Airways liner "Hannibal"?

I regret that I am not able to add to the reports which have appeared in the Press to-day about this unfortunate accident. Arrangements are being made for an official investigation. No survivors have been found, and I am sure the House will wish to express its sympathy with the relatives of those on board the plane.

Can my right hon. Friend assure the House that all diligence is being exercised in an endeavour to find the wreckage?

Yes, Sir, I am sure that that is being done.

Does this mean that the right hon. Gentleman has given up hope?

I am afraid that things do not look very hopeful.

asked the Minister of Information whether he will take the necessary steps to supply all British importers and exporters with propaganda leaflets which may be enclosed with every business communication and package to neutral countries, the leaflets to be printed in the language of the country to which they are being sent, and the propaganda matter to be changed, say, every month?

I am anxious to extend and develop the Ministry's commercial contacts in every possible way, and I gratefully acknowledge the readiness of business houses to co-operate. Something has already been done on the lines of my hon. Friend's suggestion.

Can the Minister inform the House when this particular policy first came into operation?

In September, but in a small way.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that, during the last war, naval men stationed at Scottish bases and living in England were allowed extra leave to those living in Scotland; whether the same system is operating now; and whether he will consider granting an extra day's leave to Scottish naval man stationed at English ports to cover the time lost in travelling home?

Men in sea-going ships and remote bases are given the maximum amount of leave, which war allows. It is not practicable to lay down fixed allowances of leave, but extra time will be allowed for travelling whenever possible. This applies to men serving in English waters whose homes are in Scotland as well as to men serving in Scottish waters whose homes are in England.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why chief and petty officers of very good character, who have served for several years in His Majesty's yacht "Victoria and Albert," have been reverted to the rating of able seamen and stokers on reversion to general service consequent on the royal yacht being paid off?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware of the feeling of injustice felt by petty officers of His Majesty's yacht who have reverted to their former ratings through no fault of their own as a result of the royal yacht going out of commission; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

The men concerned have recently submitted representations on this question through the usual Service channels, and these are now under consideration. When a decision has been reached I will communicate it to my hon. and gallant Friends.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that efforts have been made by the citizens of Greenock to arrange sleeping accommodation for naval men unable to return to their ships at night, particularly by the Greenock Young Men's Christian Association and the Greenock Centre for Community Service; for what purpose the residence "Bagatelle" has been taken over by the Admiralty; and what steps he is taking to provide sleeping accommodation ashore for naval men unable to return at night to their ships?

I am aware of the activities to which the hon. and learned Member refers in the first part of his Question and the Admiralty is most grateful to the organisations he mentions and others, as well as to the civic authorities and individuals at Greenock for their splendid work in welcoming the naval men who are at Greenock from time to time, and in providing emergency sleeping accommodation when necessary. Arrangements for providing extra sleeping accommodation for naval personnel who exceptionally are prevented from returning to their ships, are in hand.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be so good as to answer the second part of the Question, which relates to the purpose for which the residence "Bagatelle" has been taken over by the Admiralty?

I must apologise that my answer does not cover that point, and may I ask the hon. and learned Member to put the Question down again?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the undesirability of serving officers in the Royal Navy employing aliens as servants, he will issue an order to the effect that such practice must cease?

Any serving officer who employs an alien servant is required to report the fact, and each case is considered on its merits. This seems a sufficient safeguard up to the present.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has any statement to make on the attack by enemy aircraft on the steamship "Domala"; and whether he can explain the absence of effective protection?

The steamship "Domala" was carrying passengers to India who had been recently released from Germany to be repatriated. These were mainly lascars who had been serving on German ships before the war. Within a short time after their release the ship was attacked by night, and 100 of the passengers and crew were killed. The ship was adequately armed both with high and low angle guns to provide protection against aircraft or submarine attack, but she was attacked suddenly by an aircraft assumed to be friendly, and therefore her guns were not brought into action. A destroyer which was close at hand was similarly misled. I must repeat my general statement that no guarantee against occasional losses can be given by the Admiralty.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether he has received any reports to the effect that gun crews were not at their stations when this attack took place?

No, Sir, I have not, but a report upon every one of these matters is carefully prepared and examined by the authorities, and I will certainly look into that particular point.

Will the right hon. Gentleman do this primarily for the purpose of securing that increased diligence occurs on other vessels, as the gun crews always ought to be at their stations?

I am not quite sure that this is a physical possibility, but, at any rate, the highest state of preparedness which is possible must be maintained, and, of course, some parts of the sea are supposed to be more dangerous than others.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the warning given to certain anti-aircraft units at five o'clock that morning preceded or succeeded the attack on the ship?

In the first place, I do not think that that question belongs to me, and if it did I should have to ask for notice.

Arising out of the statement that the attack on the ship was without warning, if the presence of the aircraft was known to other branches of His Majesty's Forces, should not the ship have been advised?

It is very difficult when individual aircraft comes to areas of this kind, and very often the first attack in a particular area is successful, but afterwards arrangements are made which prevent such attacks from being successful.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that Swedish iron-ore is being conveyed by sea from Narvik to German ports; and whether any attempt to intercept these cargoes has been made?

His Majesty's Government are aware of the transport of Swedish iron-ore to Germany and of its importance to Germany, but the arrest of such traffic would involve many serious considerations.

While appreciating the difficulties, is the right hon. Gentleman taking any steps at all to intercept these cargoes?

We are always giving prolonged consideration to the matter, but so far I have not taken any steps.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any action has been considered by way of legitimate reprisal against German action in sinking neutral vessels?

I would confine myself to saying that all relevant matters are constantly being considered.

Are the boats in question those to which the right hon. Gentleman referred as wriggling down the Norwegian coast?

I think it is pretty well on the same lines.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when it is proposed to set up the Colonial Research Advisory Committee referred to in paragraph 8 of Cmd. 6175; and what scientific bodies in this country will be consulted as to its membership?

The appointment of this committee must await the enactment of the legislation which will be necessary to give effect to the Government's statement of policy. As regards the second part of the Question, I am giving consideration to the constitution of the committee, but I am not yet in a position to make any statement.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state whether legislation will be brought forward?

Not yet, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the close collaboration between the French and British Governments, arrangements are being discussed for the co-ordination of some of the health services in the African Colonies?

In the regions of Africa where British and French territories are contiguous there is already a good deal of collaboration in health matters; and I am hopeful that further opportunities will be developed for common action in this important sphere.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on the present conditions and economic outlook of the people of the Falkland Islands; when the last report was received from the local administration; and whether facilities have been provided to enable local eligible young men to be enrolled for war service?

As the answer is rather long, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the Official Report.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether any men have been called up by His Majesty's Government for service from these islands?

Yes, Sir, a number of them have been recruited for local service.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has had any recent report on the condition of the inhabitants of Tristan da Cunha; whether any recent calls of ships have been reported; and whether any of the islanders have been recruited for war service?

Yes, Sir. One of His Majesty's ships called at Tristan da Cunha recently, when it was ascertained that the crops had been good and that cultivation was being extended to other islands in the group and that there was no sickness. A two months' supply of dry provisions was landed on the island. I have not received any report that any of the islanders have been recruited for war service.

Is my right hon. Friend keeping up some sort of systematic contact with this remote Colony of ours in the Southern Seas?

It is very difficult to keep up systematic contact, but we have contact whenever possible.

Can the Minister say when another ship is likely to call at these islands?

I should require notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on the present economic situation of St. Helena; and whether the circumstances of this community will be kept in view in the projected schemes of colonial development announced recently?

As the reply is long, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the Official Report.

Can the Minister say whether anything has been done to break the virtual monopoly of two members of the Council on this island of land and food imposts, which is supposed to be detrimental to the welfare of the workers?

There has been a considerable improvement in the island recently.

Can the Minister say whether any housing arrangements are being made for important visitors who might go for a prolonged stay in St. Helena?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the restriction of the tin quota to 80 per cent. by the International Tin Committee is opposed by a large number of Malayan tin producers; and what he proposes to do to meet the views of these producers?

I am aware that certain tin producers in Malaya are opposed to the International Tin Agreement and the measures taken under it, but I believe that their views are contrary to those of the great majority of producers in that country.

Is the Minister aware that this restriction, in effect, means that a considerable quantity of tin has to be purchased by this country from foreign sources and that there is great concern about this matter, having regard to the interest of the Tin Controller in foreign tin companies?

I am aware that in some quarters there has been some criticism about the decisions taken, but all considerations which are relevant, including those mentioned by the hon. Member, were taken into account by the International Tin Committee, and I am satisfied that their decisions have been welcomed by the great majority of producers.

Is the Minister aware that if there is a shortage of tin for this country, it may have a serious effect on the tinplate trade in South Wales?

I am quite certain that if there was a shortage of tin in this country, I should have straight away received representations from one of my colleagues.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the representative of the consumers on the International Tin Committee was consulted before the recent restriction in production to 80 per cent. was announced; and whether he agreed to that restriction?

The proceedings of the International Tin Committee are strictly confidential, and I am not at liberty to report upon them.

Is it not true that the consumers' representative on the committee strongly protested against this restriction?

If that is the information the hon. Gentleman asks for, I refuse to give it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement respecting the West African cocoa trade; whether the cocoa farmers have been generally satisfied with prices received; and to what extent West African Governments have been concerned in making advantageous arrangements both to farmers and to shippers?

With regard to the first two parts of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Shipley (Mr. Creech Jones) on 22nd February. As regards the third part, I have been in close consultation throughout with the Governors of the Gold Coast and Nigeria.

Is it not a fact that one particular concern practically controls this cocoa trade and will the Minister make inquiries as to whether that is not acting adversely to other shippers outside the combine?

I will be careful to give the matter my personal attention, but I am satisfied that in all the circumstances the different firms concerned are being given fair treatment.

Is it not true that one combine really controls this traffic?

One combine had a major interest long before the war, and this has nothing to do with the control set up since the war.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what proposals he intends to implement in the near future concerning the social and educational improvement of Native conditions in West Africa?

I presume the hon. Member has in mind the comprehensive programmes which all Colonial Governments are to be invited to prepare with a view to assistance being given under the proposals in the recent Statement of Policy. It will not be possible to consider these programmes until the necessary legislation has been passed by Parliament, but I have already asked Colonial Governments to proceed with their preparation.

Can the Minister give some idea of when he will be able to announce the result of his inquiries and the information received from Colonial Governments?

No, Sir. We shall not lose any avoidable time, though, naturally, it will take a little time. Important and very comprehensive programmes are being brought up.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that in many leases and contracts for the sale or resale of land in Palestine a clause is inserted that only Jews may in future be employed thereon irrespective of the nationality of the former owners; and whether he will take steps to prevent this practice as being against the public interest?

Yes, Sir. I am aware that the lessee of Jewish National Fund land is required to undertake that he will execute all works connected with the cultivation of the holding only with Jewish labour. This is one of the reasons why we have been bound to introduce the Land Regulations which are to be discussed this afternoon.

Will not exactly the same conditions apply to the case of Arab and Wafd lands?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information about the demonstration of strikers at Nicosia last week, some of whom were arrested; and about the parade of relief workers at Larnica, five of whom were arrested for illegal assembly?

The Governor has reported that about one-fifth of the men engaged on relief work in Nicosia left work on the morning of 29th February and endeavoured to demonstrate at the District Commissioner's office. They were prevented by the police and 40 were arrested, of whom 10 were subsequently released. The remainder were brought before the courts. The charges against four were withdrawn, the others pleaded guilty, and were cautioned and discharged. All the men have now sought re-employment, which is being arranged. I have no information about the parade of relief workers in Larnica, but I am asking the Governor for a report.

Will the right hon. Gentleman assure us that these workers are being allowed to take all legitimate steps to protect their interests and conditions?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in order to assist in the proper organisation of the nation's war effort, he will consider appointing a Select Committee of the House of Commons to which representations can be made and examined with a view to strengthening the co-ordination between Government Departments?

I do not consider that a Select Committee would be an appropriate instrument for the purpose indicated. The responsibilites of organising administration must rest with the Government, and adjustments are made in the co-ordination of the work of Government Departments from time to time as experience shows them to be needed.

Would my right hon. Friend consider whether the Board of Education's powers are actually the same as those of the Ministry of Health in regard to the provision of education in relation to evacuation? Is he aware that there is a great deal of unrest in the country on this particular point?

These are matters for consideration.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the House of Commons has sat on 72 days in the first six months of the present war, whereas 32 days proved sufficient in the first six months of the last war, he will give an assurance that he will not ask it to sit so frequently in future?

Yes, Sir. After Easter the Government have every intention of reverting to the earlier practice of meeting three days a week, and I hope that the state of Business will not necessitate additional sittings.

Does the Prime Minister know that a war cannot be won by speeches, even if they are helpful?

Does the Prime Minister realise that important information is gained by Germany by a careful analysis, every day, of the pages of the Official Report?

Is not the Prime Minister aware that some Members would like to close Parliament altogether?

asked the Prime Minister whether in view of the large number of resolutions received by him from education authorities about the failure of the Ministry of Civil Defence to pay grants in respect of air-raid precautions work for schools, in accordance with the agreements reached with representatives of local authorities and embodied in the Schedule to the Air-Raid Precautions Act of 1937, he will move to appoint a committee of this House to inquire into and report on the understandings reached, and the undertakings given in the negotiations between local authorities, the extent to which those understandings and under takings have been varied, and the justification for such variation?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on 28th February last, and to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary on 29th February to similar Questions on this subject.

asked the Minister of Food to what extent his Department is employing an organisation known as Traffic Movements, Limited, for the transport of foodstuffs; whether this is confined to the traffic formerly dealt with by the constituent members of the organisation concerned or whether any specialised traffics formerly carried by other operators who have no other means of livelihood have been transferred to the new organisation; and whether his Department is endeavouring to utilise the services of persons and vehicles who by long experience are best qualified to meet the requirements of specialised business?

The Ministry of Food is not employing Traffic Movements, Limited, in any way. All foodstuffs other than meat and livestock are being transported in the normal manner except in so far as modifications are necessitated by petrol restrictions. To supervise the transport of meat and livestock, a body known as the Wholesale Meat Transport Association has been established, but the transport of meat and livestock is not limited to the members of any association. All hauliers qualified by their past experience to carry on this business are eligible to contract for the work.

Will the Department, as far as possible, continue to employ the smaller firms which have specialised vehicles?

Yes, Sir, and I will see that my hon. Friend has a copy of the advertisement which was issued to the transport papers.

asked the Minister of Food whether he will regrade young unused bulls, which have failed to find a purchaser for stock purposes, so that they may be sold at a price more in keeping with their beef quality?

The hon. Member's suggestion is at present under consideration.

asked the Minister of Food whether he proposes to increase the ration of butter or bacon or both in the near future; and to what extent individuals are not taking their full butter and bacon rations?

The desirability of modifying the amount of the rations is being constantly considered, and due notice will be given of any alterations decided upon. With reference to the last part of my hon. Friend's Question, a moderate proportion of the butter ration and a larger percentage of the bacon ration is not at present being taken up. In the case of bacon a considerable additional quantity is being sold free of the coupon.

Will the Minister see that before everybody gets additional butter, diabetics will get the butter they need?

I have replied to Questions on that subject.

Will the Minister give me a definite answer now?

indicated dissent.

asked the Minister of Food whether he will consult with the British Broadcasting Corporation and other publicity services with a view to giving regular advice to housewives on the lines of the recent broadcast giving advice that fish of certain sorts was at the time cheap and plentiful?

It is the practice of my Department to issue announcements regarding favourable supplies in the food markets. Regular advice is given by the B.B.C. on market conditions, and other matters of interest concerning food supplies, in broadcast talks specially designed for housewives.

asked the Minister of Food whether, in connection with the flour milling industry, he can now make some statement regarding the terms upon which the various businesses that have been taken over by the Government are to be compensated?

The terms of remuneration of the flour milling businesses which have been controlled since the outbreak of war by the Ministry under the Control of Mills (Flour and Provender) (No. 1) Order, 1939, are the subject of discussion between the Ministry and the National Association of British and Irish Millers, and I am not yet in a position to make any statement on the subject.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that since on one day he says there is control by the Government and on another day that there is control by private enterprise we do not know where we are? Will he make some statement to clarify the position?

If the hon. Member studies the answer to which I have referred, the position will become clear to him.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that it is quite impossible for anyone to know from that Order where we are? Will he issue some further Order to clarify the position?

The hon. Member will know where he is when he reads the Order.

asked the Minister of Food the approximate amount of wheat processed at the port mills for the period from 1st January, 1940, to 1st March, 1940, and the approximate amount of wheat offals produced; and whether he will make a statement as to the methods pursued to ensure that equitable distribution of these wheat offals takes place throughout this country?

It would not be in the public interest to publish the information asked for by my hon. Friend in the first part of his Question. In answer to the second part of the Question, on 4th December last all flour millers were asked, while carrying out the general policy of allocating supplies to customers according to pre-war deliveries, to arrange in particular for deliveries of wheatfeed in such a way as to even out any difficulties arising from the shortage of imported supplies. During the past two months special deliveries of wheatfeed have been made by certain port millers, at the request of the Ministry, to areas in England where imported supplies have been particularly short. Further arrangements are now under consideration whereby it is hoped to allocate a definite proportion of the whole output of home-produced wheatfeed for the purpose of equalising distribution throughout the country.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that it is not in the public interest to withhold the approximate figures and, further, that it is quite impossible to ensure an equitable distribution as long as these people are able to take cover behind figures which they are not compelled to disclose? Will he really take this matter seriously?

I do not think it is in the public interest to state the approximate amount of wheat processed at the port mills. As to the second part of the hon. Member's Question, I think the arrangements which I have mentioned will improve the position.

Is the Minister aware that no action is being taken which is producing any effect, and that the position is getting worse and worse?

No, Sir, I am not aware of that.

Is it not the case that over 60 per cent. of the offals are being distributed through normal channels?

I think that is approximately right.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that is not the case in the Eastern counties?

Why not tell us the whole truth?

asked the Minister of Food what steps the Government are taking to enable pig-keepers and stock-keepers generally, to have reasonable returns for their efforts; and whether he will take steps to relate the control price of pigs and livestock generally, to the increased cost of feeding-stuffs based on the prices charged for mixed meals and compound mixture, as distinct from straight-run feeding-stuffs which are unobtainable?

The prices paid for fatstock by my Department take into account the present cost of feeding-stuffs. I am satisfied that the prices generally provide reasonable returns to producers. Certain detailed adjustments of the prices are, however, now under consideration.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that these people cannot get straight-run feeding-stuffs and that therefore they have to pay expensive prices for mixtures which do not enable them to produce at these prices, and that it is absolutely untrue to suggest that the prices give the producer any profit whatever? They cannot go on producing at a loss indefinitely.

In answer to the second part of the hon. Member's speech, I am not aware that that is so.

In view of that statement I shall raise this matter at the earliest possible opportunity. It is an absolute scandal.

asked the Minister of Food the reasons which led him to allocate to brewers for the current month 100 per cent. of their requirements of sugar but only 40 per cent. to the manufacturers of mineral waters and only 50 per cent. to the manufacturers of invalid and infant foods?

The maintenance during the current month of supplies of sugar to brewers at 100 per cent. of pre-war usage was a temporary measure pending the settlement of technical details, and they will in future be restricted to 70 per cent.

Will the manufacturers of invalid foods also get the same proportion?

No, Sir. In the case of the foods to which the hon. Member refers, it is considered that there are alternative sweetening substitutes which they can get, and in order to make the best use of the sugar which is available for manufacturing purposes, a different proportion of sugar is given to different manufacturers.

Is that not in effect giving to the brewers what you will not give to the producers of these invalid foods?

It is not that. Each trade requires sugar in a different proportion. Some trades can use saccharine and other substances for sweetening purposes more than brewers, but each case has to be considered on its merit.

Is it not the fact that while bread is the staff of life beer is the real life itself?

:asked the Minister of Food whether he will send a representative to investigate the difficulties arising in the distribution of meat in Barnstaple, in company with, amongst others, leading representatives of the local farmers and butchers?

I am not aware of any difficulties arising in connection with the distribution of meat in Barnstaple. If the hon. Member will let me have particulars of any complaints, I will have them investigated.