asked the Minister of Food the total number of, persons at present employed in the Liverpool food office; and what proportion of the posts filled are held by ex-Servicemen and married women, respectively.

The number of persons employed at the Liverpool Food Office, including part time staff, cleaners, etc., is 416, of these about 15 per cent. are ex-Servicemen and 40 per cent. married women, including widows.

Mr. Rallies:

Does not the hon. Lady agree that it would be more satisfactory if those figures could be turned the other way about?

I would remind the hon. Member that it is the Government's policy not to discourage married women from taking jobs, and furthermore these women in the Liverpool Food Office have been there for many years, and have detailed knowledge of the work of the Department.

What number of the ex-Servicemen are disabled?

I could not say that without notice.