asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why British subjects are still required to pay for visas to visit Germany, when the nationals of other occupying Powers do not require a visa.

The only occupying Power in Western Germany whose nationals do not require visas is the United States, as the result of a recent agreement. Under this agreement, American citizens do not require visas, and Germans visiting the United States receive visas without payment. Negotiations for a similar visa agreement between the United Kingdom and the German Federal Republic are in progress. Meanwhile, British nationals under the age of 25 are receiving free visas.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many of the 47 British agents who were executed by the Germans at Mauthausen during 1942–43 were of British nationality; and what were their names and ranks.

As regards the first part of the Question, the answer is "None," Sir. The second part of the Question does not, therefore, arise.

The Joint Under-Secretary will be aware of the fact that in the previous answer he admitted there were 50 of those agents who were working for the British and who were dropped into the hands of the Germans, and as the Foreign Office said that this was due to neglect on the part of S.O.E., can the Joint Under-Secretary inform me whether or not the three who survived execution gave any evidence at the so-called "inquiry" which was held by the Foreign Office into this episode?

I cannot say offhand exactly who gave evidence at the inquiry that was held at the time and after the war. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put down that question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether negotiations with the Bonn Government regarding the former assets of Herr Krupp have now been concluded; and if he will report their effect to the House.

I have nothing yet to add to the reply given to the hon. Member on 4th February.

Has the Minister's attention been drawn to the very disturbing statement in the "Manchester Guardian" that an agreement had been reached with Herr Krupp and that the Bonn Government had decided that they could not guarantee any undertaking given by Herr Krupp that he would not re-enter the coal and iron and steel industry? Can the Minister give an assurance that there is no truth in that report, which I am sure will be very disturbing to all sections in the House?

I prefer not to say anything further on this subject until negotiations with the German Federal Government have been concluded. When those negotiations have been concluded, a full report will be made, of course, to the House.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why facilities are being given for the training of German officers and non-commissioned officers as instructors in Britain; and to what extent these arrangements include provisions for the training of airmen.

Certain proposals for association between our Forces and those of the European Defence Community were recently communicated to the six signatories of the European Defence Community Treaty. No detailed arrangements or commitments have yet been made but the proposals envisage the cooperation of our Forces in the training of all three Services. Since the European defence forces will form an important part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's European command, it is in Britain's own interests to help to promote their efficiency.

But is it right to take this very risky gesture at this time when the E.D.C. has not been ratified by Western Germany, when there is a recrudescence of Nazism there, when our own air training facilities are being cut down, and when the public conscience has not recovered from the effects of German bombing in the last war?

As regards the last part of the supplementary question, it will not have escaped the attention of the hon. Gentleman that the E.D.C. forces will contain no German Luftwaffe. These are only proposals that we have put forward in an effort to help along the creation of the European Defence Community. Any training requirements that will be decided upon will have to be co-ordinated with the extensive training requirements of out own Forces in Germany.

Will the hon. Gentle. man understand that while it may be necessary under E.D.C. to undertake the training of German troops in Germany or on the Continent, any attempt to train German troops in this country will meet with the strongest opposition?

I understand it is anticipated that the training of E.D.C. forces with British Forces will take place primarily with the British Army of the Rhine and the British Tactical Air Force in Germany, but I see nothing objection. able to training individual members and allowing individual members of the European Defence Community forces, of whatever nationality, to come and train in British staff colleges and in other units where N.C.O.'s of the European Defence Community can best be trained.

Do we understand from what the hon. Gentleman has just said that the Government have taken a firm decision in this matter, and that it is their intention to allow Germans to come to this country to be trained in British staff colleges? Is that a firm decision?

The right hon. Gentleman clearly did not hear my original answer when I said that no final commitments have been made. We have merely put forward proposals to the Interim Commission of the European Defence Community for their consideration and discussion with us.

Could the hon. Gentleman say whether we or the Bonn Government would pay for these training facilities?

I should like notice of that.

Why should the party opposite be trying to wriggle out of the logical outcome of their own policy?

While the Minister may be right in saying that there is no sound technical reason why this should not take place, does he not appreciate that there are strong psychological reasons why it should not be done?

I have said that primarily the training will take place with the British Army of the Rhine and with the British Tactical Air Force, but for myself I see no reason why other training facilities should not be made available to individual officers and N.C.O.s in this country.

Would it not he right to say that if and when a German Army does come into E.D.C. and they are to be equipped with British equipment such as tanks and other fighting vehicles, they must learn about those things, and that the only possible places where they can learn are in the training establishments of this country? There are no training establishments of that sort in Germany.

Of course, and no doubt they will be equipped with whatever armaments the Board of Commissioners of the European Defence Community sees fit to order. That is, as the House knows, an international programme which will be under the control of the Board of Commissioners. Might I also point out that this is the logical outcome of the policy of the late Government and the logical outcome of the Washington Declaration for which they were responsible.

Nothing of the sort.

Are we to understand from the answers of the hon. Gentleman that an intimation has been given to the European Defence Community that if the facilities to train those people in this country should be asked for, they will be granted?

The right hon. Gentleman, if I may respectfully suggest it, should read the answer that I have given. No final commitments have been entered into, but certain proposals for common training between the British Forces and the E.D.C. forces have been made to the Interim Commission of the E.D.C.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has yet received any reply to the Note addressed by Her Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires, Washington, to the State Department on 24th December, 1952, on the subject of the screening of British seamen.

No, Sir.

Can the Joint Under-Secretary give us his assurance that the Foreign Secretary will continue with his representations on this matter to the United States Administration until this screening is stopped, because in the big ports of this country it is doing considerable harm to the relations between this country and the United States of America?

This is one of the considerations which my right hon. Friend has in mind, and that was the consideration that we put to the United States Government in a Note that we addressed to them on 24th December. I suggest to the hon. Gentleman that the fact that we have not had a reply to that Note does not mean that the present United States Administration intend to do nothing about it.

Has this screening in practice been extended to air crews, and, if so, what happens to the members of the crew of an aircraft if they are discovered to have un-American political views?

In regard to aircrew, I understand that no difficulties have arisen.

Have the authorities found a way of suspending them in the air until the aircraft is ready to return?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the questioning of British seamen in the United States ports under the McCarran Act was discussed between Mr. Dulles and himself when the former was in this country recently.

No, Sir.

Will the hon. Gentleman take a further opportunity of bringing to the notice of the United States authorities the point that if a seafaring constituent of mine being screened shows some enthusiasm for serving under the Red Duster that is not to be taken as a Communist affiliation?

I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that my right hon. Friend will do everything possible to protect his constituent.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will instruct the United Kingdom delegate to the United Nations to propose a resolution that the question of the proper representation of China on the Security Council be referred to the International Court for an advisory judgment.

No, Sir.

Would it not be helpful to have a judicial opinion about this matter? Is there not some international law governing the representation of States at U.N.O., or is it determined solely by a majority of the Member States? Although it might not be possible to accept the present Chinese Government until a Korean armistice is concluded, would it not be helpful towards that end to get the seats on the Security Council declared vacant?

As the Minister of State informed the House the other day at Question time, it is not possible under the terms of the Charter, so we are advised. to declare the Chinese seat vacant. It is not a practicable possibility. In regard to the Question that the hon. Gentleman has on the Paper, any change in Chinese representation is a matter for the United Nations themselves and not for the International Court.

Is there not a credentials committee, and would it not be possible for that committee to take action in this matter and to decide that as the Chinese were no longer representative of a government in control of China, they were not the acceptable representatives?

The credentials committee may not decide this matter. The final decision must rest with the United Nations and with a majority in the United Nations voting upon this subject.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make clear in the Security Council of the United Nations that Her Majesty's Government will reconsider her participation in the Korean war in the event of either a naval blockade on China, the bombing of the Chinese mainland by United Nations aircraft, or if there is active United States military support for a military offensive against the Chinese People's Government by General Chiang Kai-shek's Forces.

The policy of Her Majesty's Government in relation to the various hypotheses referred to by the hon. Gentleman has been made- plain to the House on previous occasions by my right hon. Friends the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary. I have nothing to add to these statements.

Can the hon. Gentleman make it perfectly clear that Her Majesty's Government would view with great alarm any intention to carry out any of these hypotheses at the moment?

I think it has been made plain to the House that the view and policy of Her Majesty's Government is to conclude an armistice as soon as possible in Korea upon fair and honourable terms and meanwhile to avoid any extension of the conflict.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what Government in the Middle East have recently been approached by him with a view to arranging British military bases in their countries.

None, Sir.

Does that mean that if we leave Egypt the soldiers will be brought home?

That Question has already appeared on the Order Paper. It has not been asked, so perhaps the hon. Gentleman will study the answer tomorrow in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can the Minister tell us of any country in the Middle East that wants a big British base there, and will he say, if the Middle East is not prepared to take a base, whether it would not be better in the Middle West?

As the hon. Gentleman knows, we have already certain treaty rights with Iraq and with Jordan, under which British Forces are stationed on their territories. I take it from the fact that we continue to exercise those Treaty rights that those Forces are welcome as protection to those countries.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in the interests of democracy, he will take an early opportunity of indicating the conditions under which Her Majesty's Government would be willing to consider the incorporation of Spain in the defence of Western Europe.

Her Majesty's Government have no steps in mind for incorporating Spain in the defence of Western Europe. Any proposal for Spanish membership of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation would be a matter requiring consultation with our partners in that organisation.

Has not the Minister any positive proposals for encouraging democratic forces who are anxious to see a different regime in Spain?

It is not for Her Majesty's Government, and I hope it never will be a matter for Her Majesty's Government, to interfere in the internal affairs of other States.

Can the Minister give an assurance to the House that before there is any change in our policy as regards bringing Spain into Western defence he will fully consult the House before any action is taken?

I have said that any proposal for bringing Spain into Western defence or into the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation will be a matter for consultation with our partners in that organisation.

asked the Minister of Food to make a statement on the Government's future policy for meat rationing; and if he will indicate the probable level of the ration during the spring.

As my hon. Friend knows, our ultimate aim is to abolish meat rationing. This aim cannot be realised until it can be seen for some time ahead that there will be sufficient meat available to meet reasonable demand. In the meantime, I shall keep the ration as stable as possible at the highest prudent level. While I prefer not to forecast future ration levels, I can say that I hope to maintain a ration of at least 1s. 9d. during the spring and early summer.

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend also have in mind that, even though there is some risk in the policy of allowing the law of supply and demand to operate, in the end it is the quickest way to get more supplies at competitive prices?

As long as the supply position remains as at present we have to be fairly prudent, particularly about future prospects.

Could the Minister explain why it is that in the meantime he has increased butchers' profits by £1 a week? Can it be that there are signs of malnutrition among this section of the community?

asked the Minister of Food the total quantity of bacon and ham distributed last year, compared with 1950 and 1951.

The figures are 495,000 tons compared with 451,000 tons in 1950 and 414,000 tons in 1951.

In view of the fact that the figures which the right hon. and gallant Gentleman has given are comparable with those of 1952, does he not agree that the people of this country are paying exorbitant prices for the bacon which they receive by comparison with those which they paid in 1950 and 1951?

The fact is that they do not seem to object. They are eating more of it.

asked the Minister of Food whether he will now make a statement on the future functioning of the packing stations, the prices expected to be paid to poultry farmers, and the resultant cost to the consumer.

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware of the increasing confusion as to the proposed method of marketing eggs when control is lifted; and if he will now make a statement giving the details of his proposed arrangements to clarify this situation.

asked the Minister of Food what steps he proposes to take to ensure the orderly marketing of eggs immediately after the de-control arrangements come into operation.

The detailed arrangements for marketing eggs in the interim period following removal of allocation and price control this spring are nearing completion and a statement will be made shortly.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the President of the National Farmers' Union has described the Government's proposals as

"the gamble for a free market in the hope of getting a little more on a short term, with the consumer taking the rap "?

I think the hon. Lady had better wait to see the results of the discussions which we are now having.

Can the Minister give any assurance that, under the schemes which he is planning, he will be able to ensure a priority for eggs for nursing mothers and children?

In my view of this matter, that is a reason why we decontrolled, for that is the best way to get the eggs to every section of the community.

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman tell the House which sections of the community approve of this scheme, as the farmers, the consumers and the shop keepers do not?

I cannot accept that. I am quite satisfied that we should await our experience and that consumers should have a chance to see what happens.

asked the Minister of Food what investigations of a general nature he is undertaking into the use of chemicals and synthetic substitutes in the production of food; and when he will be in a position to publish the results.

My Department does not itself undertake investigations of this nature. Its work in this field is carried out through continual consultation with the Health Departments and the Medical Research Council and by close co-operation with the industrial research associations and other technical bodies concerned.

Does the Minister agree that in recent years there has been an alarming increase in the use of chemicals in the production and processing of food? Does he agree that there has been no adequate inquiry into either the short-term or the long-term effect on the health of the nation?

I do not think I can accept the hon. Gentleman's description of "an alarming increase." Chemicals need not necessarily be a cause for alarm, because they have been used for many years in foodstuffs. Very careful investigation indeed is going on into very important aspects of this matter, as subsequent Questions will show.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman telling us that the medical advice which he has received is that it is better to put chemicals into food than to leave the natural vitamins in the food? Is he prepared to give an assurance that he has had the advice from the Medical Research Council that he ought to take more of the vitamins out of the food and put in more chemicals?

I do not know from where the right hon. Gentleman got that idea. I have never said anything of the sort. I simply said it was not necessarily a matter for alarm that there were chemicals in food. Indeed, many of the natural vitamins to which the right hon. Gentleman referred are themselves chemicals.

asked the Minister of Food to state what progress has been made in the investigations into the existing methods of treatment of flour; and whether he will give an assurance that the process of agenisation will be abandoned.

asked the Minister of Food to take steps to counteract the harmful effects produced by the use of agene in the manufacture of flour and bread.

These complex and important investigations into possible alternatives to agene as a flour improver are requiring considerably more time than was originally thought necessary. They are being pursued with all possible speed but it would be premature to take any action until they are completed.

Does the Minister agree that on 31st March, 1952, referring to the Report of the Scientific Committee, he said;

"in view of its deleterious effect when fed in large quantities to certain animals it was felt that the use of agene should be discontinued." —[OFFICIAL REPORT. 31st March, 1952; Vol. 498, c. 1162.]

My first answer to a Question on this matter was to the effect that my information was that it would be at least a year before the Committee investigating this matter could possibly reach a conclusion, first of all, as to whether agene was harmful, and, secondly, what possible substitute could be used in its place. Since the investigations have started, one or two possible alternatives have been presented, but it is obvious that very careful research must be undertaken before either can be accepted.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether it has been accepted that agene is a contributory factor to hysteria in dogs?

That is one of the things which the Committee are investigating. I would point out, however, that agene has been used in bread in this country for over 30 years.

asked the Minister of Food to rescind the ban on the import of parcels containing canned fruit, dried fruit and sweets from Ireland.

The Parliamentary Secretary has written to my hon. Friend explaining why we cannot rescind the ban at present.

But the reasons are entirely unconvincing. Would not my right hon. and gallant Friend agree that the housewife can be relied upon not to buy these fruits if they are too expensive? If they are sufficiently cheap, should she not have an opportunity of buying them?

I have nothing whatever to add to the answer which my hon. Friend gave, except to repeat what he said in the second paragraph—that it is almost impossible to have them without serious abuse.

Is this ban based on restrictions imposed by the Government of Ireland, and, if so, why cannot the Government of Ireland be left to enforce them at its own ports and post offices?

I will very gladly talk this matter over with my hon. Friend, because it is a very complicated matter not in the least suitable to be dealt with by Question and answer.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware of numerous increases in cost of foodstuffs since December, 1951, details of which are given in a poster, a copy of which has been sent him; and haw far the items mentioned have been taken into consideration in compiling the cost-of-living index figure.

I cannot accept many of the figures quoted in the poster. I am satisfied that the food section of the Interim Index of Retail Prices provides an accurate measure of the general level of food prices

Would the Minister, in his own interests, indicate to this side of the House which are the figures on this poster which he does not accept, because we are anxious to use it as anti-Government propaganda?

I am afraid the hon. Gentleman had better be very careful, because what has happened is that they have taken the prices of certain commodities at their highest point. As an example, if the hon. Gentleman wants one, he will find that the figure in the poster for baked beans shows that the price is up by 50 per cent. In fact, the prices are down in some cases by 5 per cent. and the maximum increase is 14 per cent.

Is the Minister aware that the Henry Smith organisation, which issued this circular, has had the support of the Catering Association and of hoteliers? Is he further aware that these figures have been taken from reputable trade journals of the various catering trade employers? Is it not a fact that these figures are true and that they show the actual increase in the cost of living in these articles?

No. I do not accept that at all. Perhaps I may take a few examples. Whereas a figure of a 50 per cent. increase is shown for baked beans, in general the figure for baked beans is actually down by 5 per cent. and there is a maximum increase of 14 per cent. That presents a totally different picture.

indicated dissent.

It is no good the hon. Gentleman shaking his head. We have as much information at our disposal as he has at his disposal. What has happened here is that they have taken the highest price—which we can always obtain for any commodity—as the normal price, when it is not.

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that, for the year ended December, 1952, butter beans have increased in price by 50 per cent., haricot beans by 45 per cent., blancmange powders by 33 per cent., cake and pudding mixtures by 8 per cent., coffee by 20 per cent., plain flour by 56 per cent., self-raising flour by 53 per cent., canned meats by 30.57 per cent. and tea by 33 per cent.; and whether he will therefore introduce price control on these commodities, and thus enable these articles to be purchased by those in the lower income groups.

I cannot accept the figures quoted by the hon. Member. The only proper measure of the general increase in food prices is the food section of the Interim Index of Retail Prices, which rose by 9 per cent. between January and December, 1952. I do not propose to reintroduce price control on those foods from which it has been lifted.

Is the Minister aware that these figures have been taken from the publication to which my hon. Friend has referred? Is he further aware of the fact that if in fact the catering employers have misled the public by issuing the poster, it is about time hotels cut their prices and brought them down instead of up, and that that is the real reason for these percentages?

The hon. Member will appreciate that that is another question. All I am prepared to say on the figures I have taken from that poster is that the exaggeration varies from two-thirds to one-half.

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that, during the year ended December, 1952, bacon, whole sides, increased in price by 63 per cent., streaky bacon by 63 per cent., butter by 20 per cent., rationed cheese by 86 per cent., imported cheese by 26 per cent., bread by 25 per cent., cooking fat by 12½ per cent., gammons and hams by 92 per cent., lard by 12½ per cent., fresh meat by 21 per cent., fresh milk by 19 per cent., pork sausages by 21 per cent., beef sausages by 21½ per cent. and sugar by 11 per cent.; what were the reasons for these increases; and what action his Department is taking to bring down the price of these commodities.

Information is not available about imported cheeses, but the price increases for the other foods quoted by the hon. Member are approximately correct for the year ending 30th November. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the Budget statement by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer. As to the third part of the Question, I would draw the hon. Member's attention to the fact that the cost of living and the overall cost of food has remained practically stable since June. 1952—a welcome change from the increases since 1948 during the life of the Last Administration.

Having at last got from the Minister an assurance that the figures quoted are correct, may I ask if he can explain why, as he accepts those figures, there is a variation of between 11 per cent. and some 86 per cent. on the major basic foodstuffs that the people of this country have to use? How can he come forward with a ridiculous figure of 6 per cent. when he accepts figures between 11 per cent. and 86 per cent.? Will he explain that?

The hon. Member should know by now that the only possible method of judging whether the cost of living has changed is the Retail Index of Prices system inaugurated by hon. Members opposite. When it suits them to use it they do so, and when it does not suit them they ignore it. The fact is that the position has remained steady since June.

Is not the real answer —[HON. MEMBERS: "Tory Government."] —to Questions Nos. 27 and 28 to stop bulk purchase abroad, to stop State trading at home and to close the Ministry of Food?

On a point of order. In controverting certain statements which have been made, the Minister quoted from this document and said that baked beans were stated to have risen by 50 per cent. In point of fact, in this document the rise is not one of 50 per cent., but one of 10 per cent. Is it in order for the right hon. and gallant Member to give very misleading quotations?

There is no point of order in that the hon. Member must know that perfectly well. It is purely a question of fact.

On that point, if I may do so, I would draw the attention of the hon. Member to the item, "Beans, baked, 50 per cent." That is stated there, and I cannot accept the figures quoted by the hon. Member.

On a point of order. I gave way to the Minister because I thought he wanted to reply, but I think he was proceeding to answer the next Question. I beg to give notice that in view of the complete mix-up on the part of the Minister in replying to the last two Questions, I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.

I have frequently drawn the attention of hon. Members to the undesirable practice of introducing into a notice of Motion imputations of any

In view of your Ruling, Mr. Speaker, may I withdraw what I said and give notice that, in view of the unsatisfactory difference between the figures of the Minister and mine, I shall raise the matter again?

asked the Minister of Food what were the standard prices in 1951 and at the latest known date of bread, milk, eggs, potatoes, flour, butter, margarine, sugar, cheese, bacon, cooking fat, beef, mutton, coffee and tea; and what is the total increase, per week, in the cost of these articles.

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

Can the Minister say the total increase per week of these foods for the average family?

It depends on the different households, and the only reliable test is the over-all index.

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that the Coronation bonus of 1 lb. of sugar and ¼ lb. of margarine is generally considered inadequate for the occasion; and if he will consider increasing the amounts, and giving a bonus of other foods in addition.

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that the Coronation bonus of I lb. of sugar and ¼ lb. of margarine is quite inadequate for such an occasion; and if he will reconsider his decision and increase the amount, and also add a bonus of other foods in addition.

No, Sir.

Is the Minister aware that this miserable bonus has made housewives very angry and has even galvanized prominent members of the Housewives' League to say some unkind things about him? In view of the blistering remarks by countless numbers of women, will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman reconsider the ox roasting ceremonies and substitute the more appropriate ceremony of roasting the Minister and the Parliamentary Secretary?

As I would have to issue the licence, it is very unlikely that that would happen. I do not agree with the hon. Member at all. If he will take the trouble to read the full statement on the question of the bonus of sugar and cooking fat, which I may say has not been improved upon by the previous Administration in any bonus whatever, he will see that what he forgets and, I assume, some of his hon. Friends forget, is that for street parties during that period people will be allowed the same rations as catering establishments and that includes the whole range of rationed commodities.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that although he is giving the concession to street parties many thousands of people will not be taking part in street parties. Is he aware that this ¼ lb. of margarine and 1 lb. of sugar has become a complete joke up and down the country?

It depends, of course, on what side the hon. Member happens to be as to whether it is a good joke or not. Apart altogether from the question of street parties, the position of the housewife today is so much better as she is better able to entertain. She gets her 1 lb. of sugar, extra margarine and cooked ham in plentiful supply—[An HON. MEMBER: "If she can buy it."]— the better ration of meat, more bacon, and I do not have to give a bonus on tea or sweets this year.

asked the Minister of Food what food bonuses will be available to housewives during the Coronation period.

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made to the House on this subject on 27th January.

May I add to that statement regarding the availability of food which will be readily available to all in this country, that I understand these concessions consist mainly of toffee apples, lollipops and popcorn?

That is a very characteristic mis-statement by the hon. Lady. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] She knows perfectly well that those are sidelines, but the real thing is the amount of basic foods which are available, and unrationed foods are available in bigger supplies than they have been for a very long time.

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman not think that the distribution of a ¼ lb. of margarine as a Coronation feast to the people of Britain is its own reflection on the operations of the Ministry of Food in Britain?

It is not so very long since the hon. Lady, sitting on these benches, thought a ¼ lb. of margarine and 1 lb. of sugar invaluable.

Why does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman wish to accuse my hon. Friend of being "characteristically inaccurate" and propagandist? Is it not well known that when the right hon. and gallant Gentleman answers Parliamentary Questions, he is uniformly acting as a propagandist, and that the propaganda comes in front of facts. If it is a matter of the effectiveness of propagandists, I would back my hon. Friend against the Minister.

I think the right hon. Gentleman had better spare a little time to go through the Order Paper and then he will come to the conclusion from where the propaganda was first coming. Most of the Questions I get from that side of the House are pure propaganda. The hon. Lady was trying to make out that the only contribution to a Coronation feast was lollipops, toffee apples and so on, which is quite untrue.

asked the Minister of Food what increase has taken place in the stocks of margarine since 1st December, 1952.

It would be contrary to practice to diselose stock figures.

Is the Minister aware that there is a great deal of indignation among housewives, particularly in Scotland, at the fact that, although he will not reveal his stocks of margarine, it is presumed there is an increase as he is giving them a bonus for the Coronation; that it would have been far better to have given it for Christmas, when people are at home, or —in Scotland—for the New Year, when people have their own celebrations there?

Without revealing the stocks of margarine, can the Minister say whether there is a considerable non-take-up of rations?

asked the Minister of Food where applications can he made for an ox to roast at the Coronation; from whom such applications will be received; and how many will be granted.

Any local authority, or any other responsible body which has made a custom of ox roasting at Coronations will be permitted to obtain an ox for this purpose during Coronation week provided the cooked meat is given away free to those at the festivity. Organisers of such festivities should consult their local food office as licences will be necessary whether the ox is obtained by gift or purchase.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that his reply. being factual, cannot he in any way stated to be characteristic of his usual replies. and could I ask him where local authorities can get an ox? Is he aware that local authorities have informed me that they have not got an ox, that they have not even got a mutton chop, and if it is the case that certain local authorities have got an ox is that not rather unfair to all the other local authorities who have not got one?

Answer.

If I were to answer half of what the hon. Lady has asked, I should require to have a great deal of notice.

What will happen if every city and large borough applies to roast an ox?

I said "Any local authority, or any other responsible body," and I have no doubt at all that we shall be able to meet the demand.

asked the Minister of Food what applications he has up to the present received from local authorities to roast an ox whole, in celebration of the Coronation.

So far about 50 applications or inquiries.

Is this ceremony to be performed and the animal sacrificed in honour of Her Majesty the Queen? If so, is it the Minister's intention to sweep away all controls in this matter and allow this animal to be battered to death with a pole axe, as in the old-fashioned way, and is it intended to allow children to see this exhibition and the steps leading up to it? Is it the intention to throw slaughterhouses open and allow children to be taken on conducted tours of inspection on the occasion of this disgusting exhibition?

The hon. Member has some very queer ideas about things in this country. These oxen will be slaughtered in the ordinary way in which thousands of animals are slaughtered every week, and there is no question of exhibitions such as the hon. Member suggests.

How many of these inquiries and applications have resulted in the delivery of an ox, and from where?

I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Food what prices his Department has been paying for coffee; and what are the prices now ruling in the world markets.

It would not be in the public interest to disclose the prices paid under contract to growers in East Africa and elsewhere. No coffee has been bought by my Department in the open market since May, 1952, when between £388 and £405 a ton was paid for Brazilian. Prices for similar coffees today range between £412 and £424 a ton.

Does that not reveal the fact that bulk buying and long-term purchase contracts conducted by the Ministry were much better business for the nation than the present freedom of the industry from control?

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that the price of coffee is being again increased since 26th January following on de-control; and whether he will take action to protect consumers.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Faversham (Mr. P. Wells) on 11th December, 1952. I would add that I have heard of the increase in the price of only one brand of coffee on or since 20th January.

The reply to which the Minister refers me says that there was no increase whereas my Question specifically states the fact that there has been an increase since that date. Is the Minister aware that I hold in my hand two invoices, one dated 29th January and one 22nd January, showing that an increase of 5d. a pound has occurred on the date I mentioned? Is the Minister quite unaware of what is happening in the food world?

That is a little unfair. I never said that there had been no increase. If the hon. Member will look at the answer to which my reply referred him, he will see that I did not say there had been no increase, and I did not say so either in the reply I have just given the hon. Member. I know there has been one increase in one brand since 29th January. If, as the hon. Member says, the increase is 5d.—it might have been even 10d.—that amounts to half a farthing per cup.