asked the Minister of Food what action is being taken to reduce stocks of food held by his Department; and, in view of the general interest, if he will make a statement showing what is involved.

Dr. Hill:

As particular controls come to an end the Ministry's residual stocks are being sold through the trades which handle the commodities in question. These stocks are being progressively reduced, but a detailed statement of the position at any particular date would be both misleading and commercially imprudent.

Does the hon. Gentleman deny that of the 500,000 gallons of orange juice only 40,000 gallons have been sold, and that the dehydrated soups have been in store for two years? Is there not some danger that they will deteriorate quickly, and that the longer they are kept the worse they will get?

Dr. Hill:

I am aware that there is a quantity of orange juice unsold which was bought by the party opposite. For the rest, I suggest seriously to the hon. Gentleman that no useful purpose is served by making critical and unfounded descriptions of the condition of the stocks we hold.

In view of the unsatisfactory answer, I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.