asked the Minister of Food, in view of the fact that the British taxpayer has to provide about £400,000,000 to subsidise the cost of living, how many tons of subsidised butter were allocated to hotels and restaurants in the last year.

The quantity of butter used in hotels, restaurants and cafes, is not known exactly, but it is estimated at 7,000 tons for the year ended 19th July, 1947.

Does the hon. Lady realise that her right hon. Friend is departing from good Socialist principles in subsidising private enterprise?

No, Sir, I do not. Most of these cafes are used by the workers, and, therefore, we are subsidising their meals.