asked the Minister of Food what is the percentage saving in the issue of flour for food for human consumption in the United Kingdom in the first six months of 1947, as compared with the corresponding period last year.

Deliveries of flour for human consumption in the United Kingdom in the first six months of 1947 were about 4 per cent. less than in the corresponding period of 1946. It must also be remembered that the civilian population of the United Kingdom was two million higher in 1947 than in 1946.

Can the Minister say why they vary so considerably from the figures contained in the Digest of Statistics which is published monthly; for instance, in the September edition the saving is reckoned to be 1.7 per cent., and in the October edition, 2.3 per cent. Can he say why there is this discrepancy between his answer and the figures given in the Monthly Digest of Statistics?

I think I can reconcile the figures for the hon. and gallant Gentleman; it all depends whether the Service requirements and other factors are taken into account. The overall saving, taking the whole period, is, in fact, 8.5 per cent.

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean that the Monthly Digest is misleading because it does not contain all the facts; and will he tell us what factors are left out, and also publish a detailed analysis in the OFFICIAL REPORT showing how his figures can be reconciled with those in the Monthly Digest?

If the right hon. and learned Gentleman cares to put down a Question, we can give him the figures.