asked the Minister of Food whether he will give an undertaking that there will be no increase in the number of points required for the exchange of any item of food which is at present on points.

No, Sir. Correct points values are essential to the proper operation of the points rationing scheme. They must be adjusted so that supplies are fairly distributed to consumers.

Is the hon. Lady aware that this continuous debasement of points values for goods, has lead in fact to a reduction of the total amount of food available for the consumer; and will she give an assurance that this process will be arrested?

I do not think that the hon. Gentleman understands our points banking scheme. If there is a run on a certain food we must increase the points value. If food remains on the grocers' shelves, of course we shall reduce the points value. That seems to me to be simple arithmetic.