asked the Minister of Food if he will make a statement in regard to the continuance or otherwise of bread rationing.

Mr. De la Bère:

asked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the improvement in the wheat supplies in this country and the potential improvement throughout the coming months of the year, the Government can give an undertaking to abandon bread rationing on or before 30th June, 1947

As I have already said publicly and repeatedly, it would clearly be wrong to make any decision on bread rationing before we see what this year's harvests are going to be like.

When the Minister has reached a decision on this important matter, will be make his first announcement to this House?

Certainly, Sir.

Mr. De la Bère:

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that bread rationing is really very largely a bureaucratic farce and is wasteful of bread and manpower, and would it not be better to do away with it?

No, Sir; it will be very much better to do away with it when the supply situation permits.

Mr. De la Bère:

Is not the American position stronger than it has even been?