asked the Minister of Food how much protein is available in one quart of milk; the number of eggs, and the amount by weight of beef, cod, herring and oysters, respectively, required to afford this amount of protein.

One quart of milk contains slightly less than 40 grams of protein; equivalent quantities are found in 6 eggs and, if the weights of bone, skin and shell are excluded, in 8 to 9 oz. of beef, cod or herring and in about 13 oz. of oysters.

In view of the obvious value of milk, particularly in its equivalent to eggs, will the Minister assure us that he will see that milk is made available in as great a quantity as possible for liquid consumption and that the price is kept as low as possible? Further, can the Minister give the cost of the items I have mentioned in terms of milk and, perhaps, of oysters?

I can give the approximate costs for meat, 1s. 7d.; cod, about 10d. or 11¼d; and herring, 8¼d.; I am sorry that I cannot give the price for oysters, but milk costs 1s. ld.

Can my right hon..and gallant Friend assure the House that we are not expected to live on proteins alone?

asked the Minister of Food how much cheese was eaten in Britain in 1938 and 1950; and what is the current annual rate of consumption.

The annual rate of cheese consumption in the United Kingdom was 8.8 lb. per head pre-war, 10.1 lb. in 1950, and is provisionally forecast to be 7.5 lb. in 1952.

Will the Minister bear in mind that cheese is now becoming more difficult to get and that the quality of some of the imported cheese seems poor and devoid of fat content? Is it possible to ask that imported cheese should contain a greater amount of fat than that which is now contained in some of the red cannon balls which are shot across the counter at us?

How much of this cheese was made in Stoke-on-Trent?

Does my right hon. and gallant Friend's calculation take account of the large proportion of imported Cheddar put into mousetraps?

Is the Minister aware that in Stoke-on-Trent cheese and bacon were favourite dishes before the war and that we should like to see them back again as quickly as possible?

asked the Minister of Food if a decision has yet been reached on the date when feedingstuffs can be freed from rationing control; and if he will abolish the subsidy on imported feedingstuffs at the same time.

These subjects are under consideration, and I hope decisions on them need not be long delayed.

As my right hon. and gallant Friend's Department told us that it is the intention of the Government to effect de-rationing of feedingstuffs by next autumn, may I take it that that is the intention of the Government? May I also have an assurance from the Minister that he is now consulting all the interests—farmers, feedingstuff merchants and importers—to arrive at an agreement so that when de-rationing takes place it will take place smoothly?

I think my hon. Friend can take it that it is our intention to adhere to the date we mentioned. As soon as the announcement was made we entered into consultations with all the interests concerned.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that his Parliamentary Secretary said a week ago that the Ministry had not made up their minds?

I do not know who he said that to but it may be the hon. Member, as he always mistakes what my hon. Friend says.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that if he wants more food production, particularly in dairy products from small farmers, he must announce in the very near future whether he is to continue or discontinue rationing of feeding-stuffs?

I quite appreciate that.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that only the other day the Minister of Agriculture said that he was to make an announcement about feedingstuffs for poultry before the end of the year, and that the present answer seems to throw some doubt on that possibility?

asked the Minister of Food whether his rationing regulations provide for the declaration in writing by butchers of the quantity of meat not taken up by registered customers during each four-weekly ration period; and what are the penalties for giving false information.

Butchers are required to make such a statement; but as unused coupons for any week are valid for the following week, it must be in the nature of an estimate. Failure to make a return, or to make one known to be false, would be an offence, subject to the usual penalties for contravening Orders made under the Defence Regulations.

Has the Minister any means of finding out whether butchers do not give this information, in order to safeguard their future allocations? Is he aware that there are many butchers who do not give the correct declaration, because they know that their allocation will be cut?

That is not my information, and while it is an estimate. which is not easy to make, the butchers manage to even out the position very well with my officers.

asked the Minister of Food, for each of the four-weekly ration periods from October, 1951, until the latest stated date, the declared non-take-up of meat in weight and money value per ration period; and the number of full rations that this represents in each case.

asked the Minister of Food what is his latest estimate of the extent to which the meat ration is not being taken up; and what are the reasons for this.

I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table showing by how much deliveries of ration quality meat have been below entitlement, the retail value of such quantities and how many full rations each represents.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that the difficulties and shortages mentioned in all these Questions can only be overcome if he takes off all controls both at home and abroad?

asked the Minister of Food the tonnage and value of meat allocations to butchers in Scotland which was not purchased by ration book holders during the period when the ration stood at 2s. 2d.; and to how many full rations this was equivalent.

Some 160 tons, worth about £37,300, were surrendered by butchers in Scotland. This represents approximately 345,000 rations over the four weeks, or 1.4 per cent. of the total ration issue.

Would not the Minister agree that the increased cost of living has driven many families into a position where they cannot take up their rations, and is not that in direct contradiction to the pledges given by many Conservative candidates at the General Election that they would decrease the cost of living?

I cannot think that the hon. Gentleman means all that, because in the first period to which the hon. Gentleman refers, when the ration was 2s. 2d, and very high, the non-take-up in Scotland was only 1.4 per cent., which hardly confirms what he said.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that there is public dissatisfaction with regard to the grading of meat and the prices charged: that there appears to be room for lower-grade meat to attract the price which is proper for the higher grades; and if he will discuss the matter with the trade organisation, with a view to protecting the public.

For the main types of meat our schedules already distinguish between first and second quality and between home-killed and imported. My Department is continuously in touch with the trade on this and other matters, but it is impracticable, under a rationing scheme, to carry fine distinctions beyond a certain point.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that there is a lot of public dissatisfaction about this? Has he not had representations that occasionally—I do not say how often—people are charged for low-grade meat at the price of high-grade meat? Have there been any representations to his Department to that effect? If not, I shall be very glad to hear it.

I have a good deal of sympathy with my hon. Friend in this matter. Of course, when the trade was free there were many different categories which it would be impracticable to have under a central system with rationing. I certainly have received complaints from time to time, and I am in touch with the trade organisation to see what can be done.

Is the Minister aware that the grading of meat in the public abattoirs is unsatisfactory? Will he consider appointing the chairmen of the retail buying groups to the grading panels?

I should like to consider that question.

Quite apart from the question of the grading of meat, is it not the fact that there is so little red meat available which causes dissatisfaction?

There is a little more than last year.

asked the Minister of Food the number of cases that have been reported to the food offices since October, 1951, of alleged breaches of the rationing orders by rationed food being sold off the ration; and in how many cases prosecutions have ensued.

Between 1st October, 1951, and 31st October, 1952, 5,847 cases were reported to food offices and investigated. Of these, 1,115 led to prosecutions of which 1,080 were successful. In 166 cases further action has yet to be decided.

asked the Minister of Food how much tinned milk has been imported from abroad in 1951 and the first 10 months of 1952; the respective values; and what proportion came from dollar countries.

According to the records of my Department, imports of tinned condensed milk totalled 48,000 tons in 1951 and 29,000 tons in the first 10 months of 1952. They were valued at £5.2 million and £3.4 million respectively. About 40 per cent. came from dollar sources in 1951; none in 1952.

Could we not manufacture all the tinned milk we require in this country? If not, could we not get all we require from within the Commonwealth? In any case, would it not be better in the future to get cheese rather than tinned milk from the dollar countries?

If the hon. Gentleman will look at my answer he will see that no tinned milk came from dollar sources last year. So far as we can we get not only tinned milk but cheese from non-dollar sources.

asked the Minister of Food (1) what instructions have been issued by his Department to retailers,concerning the sale of larger rations of butter and bacon to people able to afford such purchases;

It is an offence to supply more than the prescribed quantities of rationed foods and retailers should reduce their own purchases to the extent that rations are not fully taken up.

That answer gets us nowhere. Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman realise that if anyone in the better-off sections of the community is having larger rations of butter and bacon than those less able to afford them it is the job of his Ministry to prevent it? Would he have an investigation made into average shops in one or two towns to find out what is the take-up in the lower income groups?

I am afraid that the hon. Lady's further question gets us nowhere either, because the fact is so far as is known, and after very careful investigation, the lowest take-up of bacon is in the highest income group and the highest take-up is in the lower income group.

In spite of those figures, may I ask the Minister whether he is aware that large numbers of families in this country are not taking up their rations, simply because they cannot afford to? That is an undoubted fact. What action is he taking to prevent the retailers of these goods from selling quantities beyond their ration to other people, simply because they have the money to buy?

If the right hon. Gentleman and many of his hon. Friends keep saying this kind of thing my reply is that if they have such knowledge it is their duty to take action. If they have not, then they have no right to make the statement. The only means I have of ascertaining the position is a means which was available to the right hon. Gentleman and to his predecessors over the last 10 years. which is the National Food Survey. The survey shows definitely that the highest income groups of this country take up the least bacon.

The National Food Survey to which the Minister refers, which is available this week-end, deals with 1950, when he was not in office.

No, Sir. The right hon. Gentleman is thinking of the annual Report. I am talking of the survey which goes on the whole time. The figures I have quoted are the latest available, up to the end of September.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that my Questions get us nowhere because he has not the answers to give to them? As he has asked where we get this information from, will he go to the Old Age Pensioners' Association and ask how many old-age pensioners are able to take up their full rations of butter and bacon? That is a challenge. Will he accept it?

I will not only accept it, but I will answer it now. So far as the old age pensioners are concerned, the take-up of butter is practically up to the average of the whole country. The answer is practically the same in regard to bacon. At least this Government have done something to improve the lot of old-age pensioners, which is more than the party opposite did when they were in office.

asked the Minister of Food (1) his latest estimate of the extent to which the butter ration is not being taken up; and the reasons for this:

asked the Minister of Food what reasons he can give for the fall in the take-up of butter and also for the substantial fall in the take-up of bacon in the four weeks ended 29th November, 1952, when compared with a similar period in 1951.

The butter ration is being taken up in full. It is estimated that 90 per cent. of the bacon ration was bought in the four weeks ended 29th November, 1952, together with more than 8,000 tons of cooked gammon or ham sold off the ration. This new additional supply possibly accounts for the slightly smaller demand for rationed bacon.

Does the Minister now admit that the figures given last week and this week show that increasing quantities of rationed foods are not being taken up; that this trend has developed significantly since the last Budget; and that it is obvious that the Chancellor has priced some of the big families out of the market? What does the Minister propose to do to ensure that prices are adjusted so that the big families can buy their rations?

I think the hon. Gentleman had better have the figures. The bacon ration this year is five ounces; last year it was three ounces. During the period to which the hon. Gentleman refers 35,000 tons of bacon were taken up; last year 25,000 tons were taken up. In addition to the 35,000 tons, 8,000 tons of unrationed ham were available.

As the upper income groups do not seem to be taking up their meat, butter, bacon and milk, can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say how they are managing to live and what they are eating in place of these foods?

I can only recommend the hon. Gentleman to listen a little more carefully. I said that the drop in milk consumption up to the end of September was highest in the higher income group. I did not suggest, nor would anyone be so foolish as to suggest, that they could not take it up.

In view of the statement that one is often hearing that the butter goes to the wrong people, what action is the Minister taking to ensure that that does not happen, especially as butter is an extremely good food?

I have tried to explain that the survey system has been in operation since 1940. It was used by the Labour Government throughout their administration. All experts advise me that it is far the best method of getting information from a good cross-section of the community. There is no better information at present. This is the only system we have, and we have to accept its results.

Can the Minister tell us whether the National Food Survey shows the take-up of the meat ration by people with an income of, say, £8 a week and four ration books?

There are four categories—groups A, B, C and D. Group A represents those in receipt of £13 a week and over, and group D covers those in receipt of £4 10s. A different section is taken every month. That is the way it is done.

If the right hon. and gallant Gentleman continues to claim that the rise in the cost of living has not affected the lower income groups but has compelled the richer people to cut down on milk, bacon and butter, does not he realise that before long he is likely to get an offer to top the bill at the Palladium as a straight-faced comedian?

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that many old-age pensioners are unable to take up their ration of butter because they cannot afford it; and if he will consider introducing a scheme whereby old-age pensioners are able to obtain butter at reduced prices on production of their old-age pension book.

The answer to both parts of the Question is, "No, Sir."

Is the Minister aware that he is misinformed? Instead of taking this cross-section of the community, will he go into details and see how old-age pensioners are affected in any town he chooses? Has not he seen the report of the National Food Survey, which has just been published, which states that Labour narrowed the gap between the poorer people and the better-off in the take-up of rations? Will his Government maintain that narrowing, or is it their intention to widen the gap as much as possible?

I think we have given every indication of what we intend to do about that. It is no good exaggerating these matters. The increased cost of butter to old-age pensioners is ¾d. a week, and the old-age pension was increased by us in October by 6s. 6d.

Is the Minister aware that people of sound sense will be glad to learn that his answers have so effectively rebutted these propaganda Questions?

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that a Sunday newspaper is busy propagating the argument that butter should be regarded as a luxury in order to increase the price and reduce the demand by the lower income groups? Will the Minister give an assurance that that will be strongly resisted by him?

indicated assent.

asked the Minister of Food what reply he has given to the application by the bakers for an increase in the price of bread.

None, Sir, except that the application is being examined.

Will the Minister give an assurance that the price of bread to the consumer will not be increased? Will he give a further assurance that in any price adjustment which he does make there will be no reduction in the flour subsidy?

This application, as the hon. Lady knows, is in respect of the 14-oz. loaf. That has been examined on the basis of the claims made, and even were it acceded to the other loaf would have to be sold at the same price.

The Minister has not answered my point. If I may repeat it it was that if he has to make any price increase, because of a concession to the bakers, will he give an assurance that the price of bread to the consumer will not be increased, but will be off-set by an increase in the flour subsidy?

That is rather a different question. I must repeat what I said to the hon. Lady, that even were this particular application granted, the other loaf would have to be sold at the same time, so that people could have their choice.

asked the Minister of Food in respect to the 2 per cent. reduction in the quantity of milk supplied to the public in October, 1952, as compared with October, 1951, in what groups and to what extent fluctuations took place; and by what methods the information was obtained.

As the answer involves a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

In view of the statement last week by the Parliamentary Secretary that the reduction is in the higher income groups, will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman consult the large milk retailers who will tell him, on the overwhelming evidence of their roundsmen, that following the last price increase it is among the poorer customers that the reduction has taken place, particularly where there is a large family, and among old-age pensioners? Will the Minister consult them?

I must tell the hon. Gentleman that the best system known in this country for checking on all parts of the country is the National Food Survey—

But those figures are only up to September.

I know. I will give the October figures as soon as I can. But up to the end of September, as the hon. Gentleman will see when he reads my reply, the biggest fall in consumption is in the higher income groups. The consumption among old-age pensioners, as the hon. Lady the Member for Coventry, South (Miss Burton) would like to know, has not fallen off.

I am talking of the 2 per cent. reduction which is for October, and the Minister admits he has not the figures. Why will he not consult the milk retailers?

I prefer to wait and obtain the survey which I shall get in due course. It is no use going on what hon. Gentlemen opposite say from time to time. The proper way is to get the survey, which is a national survey.

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend urge on the T.U.C. that there should be no more differentials in wages, so that all skilled men may be brought down to the level of unskilled men?

asked the Minister of Food to ensure that ewe liver is not charged at the same price, per pound, as high-grade liver.

It is not practicable to distinguish ewe liver from other types of mutton and lamb liver or to have separate prices for each type.

As ewe liver is not nearly of such good quality as other liver, would my right hon. and gallant Friend discuss with the trade whether or not they could inform the butchers that it is not fair to charge the higher price for the lower grade liver? This is a most important question for the housewife.

I am informed that it is impracticable to distinguish between the different grades of liver; but pig and ox liver are charged at different prices.

asked the Minister of Food whether he will reconsider his decision to close the Faversham slaughterhouse when the new Canterbury abattoir comes into operation.

No such decision has been taken.

Will the Minister undertake to receive representations from the National Farmers' Union and the local butchers' association before any decision is taken?

I would be willing to take all submissions into consideration. At the moment, there is no intention of doing what is suggested.

asked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the adverse effect of the present outbreak of fowl pest on egg production, he will reconsider his decision to end egg rationing in the spring.

I understand from my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture that, although the future course of this outbreak cannot be forecast with certainty, it is unlikely to have any appreciable effect on the total supply of eggs.

Is the Minister of Food saying that these 119 outbreaks of fowl pest in 36 counties, resulting in the destruction of 55,000 head of poultry, are having little or no appreciable effect, and if—though we all hope it will be—the epidemic is not brought under control soon, will the Minister at least take its adverse result into account when he decides on the date upon which he is going to set eggs free?

I can only take the advice of my right hon. Friend, and that advice is as I have given in the answer to the Question. While I agree that this is not to be taken lightly, it is still 55,000 birds as against 59 million.

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman assure us that, when he decontrols eggs, any fall in consumption will be only in the higher income groups?

I hope there will be increased consumption all round.

Is not the Minister aware that this proposal to decontrol eggs has had a very cold reception in trade and farming circles, and that the present issue of the "Grocer" states that he is running away from his job? Will he reconsider his decision?

It might have added, also, that the consumer will be very glad indeed.

asked the Minister of Food why, during the year ended 1st November, 1952, the sugar for domestic consumption was cut by 108,000 tons, whereas the sugar for manufacturing was only cut by 40,000 tons, compared with the previous year.

The cut of 40,000 tons of manufacturing sugar was decided upon by the late Government. In finding the further savings required to remedy the disastrous balance of payments situation bequeathed to us, I decided that least hardship would be caused to consumers generally who are also the ultimate consumers of manufacturing sugar, by the pattern of distribution adopted in 1952. That distribution, I should add, gave the domestic consumer more sugar than had been available in five out of seven years since the war.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that both he and his Parliamentary Secretary told the House that the cuts to manufacturers would be 75,000 tons, and that it is greatly unfair to the housewife to take an additional 35,000 tons from her?

Answer.

In view of the failure of the Minister to reply, I beg to give notice that I shall take the first opportunity of raising the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Food whether he will make a further statement on the progress of the negotiations for the procurement of meat from the Argentine.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Secretary for Overseas Trade to the right hon. Member for Battersea, North (Mr. Jay) on 9th December.

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman confirm the statement he made a few days ago, that supplies of meat are increasing every week?

I repeat that supplies have been increasing every week, compared with the year before.

May I ask the Minister whether, in view of his very great responsibility, he does not take at least a gloomy view about the delay in securing a settlement with the Argentine? Does he not recall statements made by his party when they were on this side of the House about the progress made when we were negotiating with the Argentine, and does he not think that this is a matter on which we are entitled to censure the Government for their failure to arrive at an agreement?

I am fully aware of the difficulties, as the right hon. Gentleman knows. The only difference between us is that, while his party took a good deal longer to come to an agreement, we have handled our meat supplies with more prudence than they did.

Will the Minister explain why he cut the ration by 4d. if meat supplies are increasing?

The hon. Gentleman always likes to take figures that suit himself. I was dealing with the year as a whole, and I said that supplies have improved, and they are going to be better. The Labour Government cut the ration down to 1s., and we are hoping to keep it at 1 s. 8d. till the end of March.

The Minister will be aware that, in previous negotiations, we invited the Argentine Government to send representatives here, or, alternatively, we sent Ministers out to that country. Will not the Government consider doing that, in order that the negotiations may be brought to an end?

I am well aware of that, but I say that our negotiations are proceeding in a perfectly amicable manner, and I am very hopeful that we shall soon come to a conclusion.

asked the Minister of Food what action he proposes to take, in view of the declining take-up of rationed and essential foodstuffs.

As I have no evidence of any general decline in the consumption of such foods, the question does not arise.

Will the Minister reconsider the figures he has already revealed to the House? If he will stop confusing the take-up by retailers with the take-up by consumers he will see that there has been a decline due to the price.

The hon. Gentleman amazes me sometimes; he was Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry for a long time. The Question asked about the take-up figures, and I gave the take-up figures, based on exactly the same procedure as that followed by the hon. Gentleman's party when they were in office. When Questions are asked about consumers' take-up, we then get the figures from the Survey, which is the only possible method. The hon. Gentleman must take those figures, whether he likes them or not.

Has my right hon. and gallant Friend had any representations made from the Co-operative societies about the enormous quantities of rationed foods that would be left on their hands if the allegation contained in the Question was substantiated by the facts?

Is the Minister aware that, for some months past, over 16,000 dockers have been unemployed, and that they have been getting £4 8s. per week, or, less deductions, a net sum of £4 per week? Is he aware that they cannot possibly afford to buy bacon at 5s. 9d. per lb., and that many dockers' families cannot afford their basic rations?

Would my right hon. and gallant Friend give as wide a circulation to his answers as possible, other than simply through HANSARD, so that a wider public can see how feeble are these complaints?

On a point of order. As this is the 20th Question based on the same alleged substance in fact—the failure to take up rations—is there no protection for the House against the same Question being repeated?

They are different Questions,

asked the Minister of Food if his attention has been called to the rise in the price of coffee which has followed the return of the trade to private hands; and what steps he proposes to protect the consumer.

The rise in coffee prices reflects the rise in world prices. Increases of a comparable order would have been required even if control had continued.

Is it not clear that this is a case of the price of food rising after the abandonment of bulk purchase? Does the Minister now recognise, as some of his answers indicate, his own responsibility for protecting the consumer?

I certainly do recognise my responsibilities, having some knowledge of the facts before I answered the Question. We have not abandoned bulk purchase. The system is exactly the same as it was. We have contracts with some of the Dominions until 1954, and all that has happened is that spot purchases, which we used to make as a Ministry, are now made by the trade, and world prices have gone up since then.

Is not the Minister aware that a large proportion of the trade has been returned to private hands, in consequence of which prices have risen?

I am trying to tell the right hon. Gentleman that, even if it had not been returned to private hands, the price would have gone up because world prices have gone up.

asked the Minister of Food to what extent he has revised his programme for egg imports during 1953 as a result of his decision to decontrol home-produced eggs.

We shall buy all we can from sterling sources, and I hope for increasing quantities. We have contracts with Denmark and Poland which cover most of their exportable surpluses. I shall consider further purchases in the light of our balance of payments position and the supplies available.

Does that answer mean that, if egg prices rocket skywards as a result of decontrol, imports of eggs from overseas will be increased, and that the Government, being the sole importers of eggs, will use their powers to keep down the prices of home-produced eggs if, as I say, they go up beyond all reason?

My answer means just what is says.

asked the Minister of Food if he will make a further statement on the effect of de-rationing on the present system of marketing eggs, with special reference to the guaranteed price and the packing stations.

I do not expect to be able to make any further statement until discussions with producers, packing stations and distributors have been completed.

Does not the Minister agree that while there is a shortage of feedingstuffs there will be some considerable difficulty in this matter? Can he say when he is likely to be able to tell farmers and egg packing stations what the future policy will be?

Early in the New Year.

asked the Minister of Food what system operates in his Department for the periodical and local analysis and examination of balancer meal, in order to prevent the supply of impure and verminous stocks to domestic poultry keepers.

The Ministry of Food determines the standard of poultry balancer meal by licensing manufacturers under the Feeding Stuffs (Manufacture) Order, 1952. The maintenance of this standard is subject to check by my officers.

May I ask the right hon. and gallant Gentleman whether, if I bring a certain case to his attention, he is prepared to arrange for a sample to be taken on the spot from a supplier in the Midlands, so that my constituent's complaint to me about impure and verminous supplies may be looked into and adequately dealt with?

I am very glad that the hon. Gentleman has brought the matter to my attention, but, so far as the retailer is concerned, it is the responsibility of the county council or the county borough council. I am responsible for seeing that the conditions of manufacturers' licences are being completely fulfilled. If the hon. Gentleman brings a particular case to my notice, I will be glad to look into it.

Is the Minister aware that, in this particular case, my constituent happens to be a former grain merchant, who maintains that the impurities in and the verminous conditions of his supplies originate from the floor of the granary?

asked the Minister of Food the estimated financial saving per year if food rationing were abolished.

It is impracticable to isolate the cost of rationing from trading services, price controls and subsidies administered by my Department. The annual cost of local food control is estimated at about £9 million.

Is the Minister aware that this saving, if he brought it about, would not be commensurate with the hardship involved in the lower income groups in the country, and will he ask the Chancellor to try to stop the cost of living going up any further, and really do something to justify the confidence which this House reposes in him as Minister of Food?

I am not sure what the hon. Gentleman is talking about because in his Question he says something about abolishing food rationing, and I have never made any suggestion about that from this Box.

asked the Minister of Food how the present authorised fruit contents of jam compare with those which prevailed between 1929 and 1939: and whether he will make a statement as to his future proposals with regard to the fruit content of jam.

As the reply to the first part of the Question contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that the fishermen of Tollesbury, Essex, could now be catching

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend say what chances there are of restoring the pre-war fruit content in time for next season's cropping?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will wait until we have had time to consider the matter.

I understand that the White Fish Authority and the Herring Industry Board are urgently examining the possibility of providing a better market for sprats taken for conversion to oil and meal. The present public demand for sprats as food is limited, but the Authority are also considering what steps can be taken to encourage an increase in future seasons.

Cannot the right hon. and gallant Gentleman himself take some steps by refraining, at any rate, for a time, from dumping inferior foreign canned sprats on the market just at the season when there are plenty of fresh sprats coming along?

Like a good many other inferior things, I inherited that, too. We have to get rid of these things because, as long as they are there, they are a menace to the market. I agree that the sooner they are got rid of the better. The hon. Gentleman says in his Question, "if there were a market," and there is a difficulty in finding a market.

Even if the right hon. and gallant Gentleman, as he says, inherited those stores of foreign canned fish, is it not a fact, that this particular situation—that all this excellent fresh fish is being wasted while most of the fishermen of Tollesbury remain unemployed—has not occurred in recent years? Will not he take some action?

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that this question is one of long standing about which representations were made to the previous Government, and will he represent to the Service Departments that they might take British sprats instead of imported brislings?

I have made representations to the Service Departments, but I regret to say that the response from those who matter, the consumers, was not so encouraging as I thought it would have been. But I will do everything I can, because I have sympathy with the Question.

Is it not a fact that these British sprats normally go to canners, but that owing to the action of the late Government in importing supplies from Norway and Denmark, huge stocks are glutting the market and it is impossible for British canners to buy fresh sprats?

I wish to give notice that I shall be raising this matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Transport why Mr. Frank Wass, of Gains-borough, was required to display an L plate on his hand-operated lawn mower when cutting the grass in front of his house, until he passed his driving test; what was the nature of the test; how far the examiner had to travel; and what was the total cost entailed.

Mr. Wass appears to have attached an L plate to his mower which he uses on the grass verge of the highway outside his home, on the assumption that it came under the relevant provisions of the Road Traffic Acts and to have applied for a driving test on the same assumption. That this assumption was in law correct is doubtful owing to the definition of "motor vehicles" in the Road Traffic Acts, but as Mr. Wass had applied he was tested in his ability to control the machine and in his knowledge of the Highway Code.

Does the hon. Gentleman think that the performance he has just outlined is sensible, and, if not, what action does he propose to take to see that in future the community is safe from such antics?

It appears that until arriving at the scene, the examiner expected to test one of the big mowers which often have to use the highways, and, therefore, require a modified test. However, I am bound to add that on realising that this was only a small mower, the test should have been abandoned forthwith, and I hope that this reply will attain the necessary publicity.

Does the Minister recollect that in reply to the Question he said there seemed to be some doubt in law as to whether a large mower outside on the grass verge needs to have a road plate or a test?

This was not a large mower, and I think the whole outcome is the result of six years of Socialist bureaucracy.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell the House what is the speed limit of hand-operated lawn mowers?

In Ebbw Vale, I imagine, not great.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the dangerous traffic conditions at the junction of Lombard Road and Morden Road, near South Wimbledon; and if he will consider what action can be taken to improve this danger spot.

The responsible highway authority is preparing a scheme for the improvement of Morden-road from Lombard-road northward, which will eliminate the bottleneck at the Lombard-road junction.

Am I right in saying that a scheme has already been submitted to the Ministry, and, if so, will my hon. Friend say what consideration has been given to it?

No, Sir. The highway authority is pressing on as quickly as possible with the scheme which has not yet reached my right hon. Friend, but he will give sympathetic consideration to it as soon as he receives it.

According to my information, two schemes have been brought forward, one on 27th May and the other on 12th July. Will my hon. Friend look into this matter?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is now intended to construct a roundabout at the eastern end of Lambeth Bridge.

A proposal for a roundabout here has been included in the first five-year period of the London County Council Development Plan, but my right hon. Friend is not able at present to authorise the expenditure of about £65,000 which would be involved.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the abolition of the tramways, it is now intended to alter the lay-out of the traffic routes at the Elephant and Castle crossing, in order to improve the flow of traffic there.

A scheme for a roundabout has been prepared by the London County Council and is included in the first five-year period of their Development Plan; but, in view of its high cost my right hon. Friend is not able to authorise it in present economic circumstances. In the meantime, with the stopping of the trams, some adjustment has been made in the working of traffic to improve the flow.

Can my hon. Friend say what would be the cost of the roundabout?

About £1,600,000.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is satisfied with the new layout of the intersection of A 38 and A 51 in the City of Lichfield, which has been completed following a conference attended by the divisional road engineer on 18th July, 1952, which met to consider safety factors.