asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is in a position to make a statement on the reorganisation of the Ministry of Food?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what salaries and expenses, if any, are to be paid to the food directors recently appointed; and if any of these gentlemen remain actively engaged in trade?

Major Lloyd George:

There has been no comprehensive reorganisation of the Ministry of Food, and its general structure has not been changed. There has been an internal reorganisation in the Supply Department, which is directed to make the best use of the man-power available. The officers referred to have been serving the Ministry for some time, the Majority having joined the staff on the outbreak of war. Most of them are serving without remuneration and receive a small allowance for expenses. They are not actively engaged in trade. The recent reorganisation of the Supply Department does not involve any change in the remuneration of any of the officers concerned, and no new appointments have been made.

May I draw the hon. and gallant Gentleman's attention to the fact that he has not answered my Question, which asked him what salaries and expenses, if any, are paid to the food directors recently appointed, and whether any of them remain actively engaged in trade?

Major Lloyd George:

I said that they are not actively engaged in trade.

The hon. and gallant Gentleman has not answered the Question about salaries or expenses.

Major Lloyd George:

Most of them receive no salary, but receive a small amount in expenses.

That is not an answer to the Question.

Major Lloyd George:

I agree that it is not a detailed reply, and I will look into the point.

Are these people who are without salaries and expenses not actively engaged in the trade?

Major Lloyd George:

They are not actively engaged in the trade.

May I ask how many of the persons concerned are associated with the trade?