asked the Minister of Food if he will consider requiring manufacturers of margarine to indicate the vitamin content of the commodity sold to the retail purchaser; and whether he will take steps to ensure that margarine shall include the same quantity of international units of vitamin A per 1b. as butter.

These requirements are included in the recommendations by the Food Standards Committee which were published last week. I will consider them in the light of any representations that may be received.

Can we take it that the Minister is sympathetically considering the matter, in view of the great necessity to know what we are buying and to encourage the consumer to secure those foods which give him the maximum and not the minimum vitaminic qualities he requires?

The hon. Member will know that I am compelled to allow representations to be made. In a way I am in a judicial capacity, and until I receive those representations I am not in a position to say anything.

Can I take it from that reply that the Minister will give his judgment?

Yes, Sir.