asked the Minister of Food what quantity of soap has been exported during the past 12 months and what increase in the soap ration would result if the quantity exported had been retained in this country.

20,368 tons of soap were exported during 1946. Apart from 8,700 tons shipped by N.A.A.F.I., these were almost entirely shipments to countries in the British Commonwealth dependent on us for supplies. The whole quantity is about one-tenth of the yearly amount needed for the present domestic soap ration.