asked the Minister of Food if he has now received reports from the appropriate authorities and trade associations on the quality and prices of drinks offered for sale by the wine company, to which his attention was drawn by the hon. Member for Maldon; arid what action has been taken.

I have received reports from the appropriate trade associations, who say that the wine company is not buying from any of their members. I have not found any grounds for drawing the attention of the local authorities to this particular case, but my Department has issued a circular to all local authorities about the enforcement of the Labelling of Food Order, 1946. Beyond bringing the case to the notice of the Excise authorities I do not propose to take further action.

Has the Minister considered the effect on foreign visitors to this country of seeing shops full of wines and spirits at utterly exorbitant prices?

That is an aspect of the situation which I do not like.