asked the Minister of Food what quantity of dried egg he has bought from the United States; what price he is paying; and at what price it will be sold to the consumer.

During the present year 2,750 tons of dried egg in packets containing the equivalent of 12 eggs. The price is 78 cents per lb. f.o.b., and the maximum price to the consumer is 2s. 6d, a packet.

Has the Minister's attention been drawn to the statements in the Press, including "Reynold's News" last Sunday, to the effect that dried egg and other such commodities are being used as manure in America because they cannot be disposed of to the American housewives or be exported? In these circumstances, is she wise in buying this dried egg at this heavy price and passing it on to the consumer?

I am sure the hon. Member would not ask us to ignore the needs of expectant mothers, nursing mothers and children in the coming winter.

How is it that the Parliamentary Secretary can give an answer in regard to the quantity and price on this Question but not on the previous Question? How can the price be given in this case but not in the other?

Because much of this has already been published.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that previously she said it was not in the public interest to disclose the price, whereas in this case she says that the price has already been published?

If the figures have already been published, there can be no purpose in failing to disclose them, but if they have not been published and if we think it is not in the public interest to publish them, we do not do so.