asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that artificer apprentices, 16 years of age, in the R.N. receive an ordinary Services' ration card for leave periods; that this does not enable them to obtain the adolescent's bread ration to which they are entitled, and if he will arrange for supplementary bread units to be issued to these boys when on leave.

An adolescent member of His Majesty's Forces can obtain an adolescent's bread ration by applying to any food office, and presenting his ration card, his leave pass, and a certificate, from the commanding officer of his unit, that the holder is under 18 years of age. This arrangement has been in force since the beginning of bread rationing.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there are various food offices in the country where applicants have been told that they know nothing of this regulation? Will he bring the regulation to the attention of people in charge of food offices?

If my hon. Friend will give particulars of any such offices, I will deal with the matter.

Winchester.