My Department holds about 3,500 tons of nuts in shell, bought at varying prices. I am satisfied that, in the absence of a complete control scheme with prices fixed at all stages, the disposal of these nuts by public auction will be in the public interest, and will ensure rapid and wide distribution. The Maximum Prices Order was withdrawn with the object of making it easier to distribute an expected increase in supplies. There, will be no further imports on Ministry account before Christmas, but there may be some chestnuts bought by private traders before 13th October, although for the time being private imports are suspended. I hope that further supplies will soon be forthcoming.