asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will make a detailed statement outlining the withdrawal in part or whole of food subsidies since January, 1946; and whether he will indicate to the House any proposed revision or removal of such subsidies contemplated by His Majesty's Government for the remainder of the current financial year.

As I explained in my Budget statement, I estimate this year an increase over last year's in the total of food subsidies. Changes in the selling prices of particular subsidised foods will, in accordance with the usual practice, continue to be announced from time to time by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Food.

In view of the discrimination such a policy must tend to impose on working-class purses, would not the Chancellor seek to obtain the equivalent of these subsidies from increased taxation on distribution of profits, on Surtax and Death Duties, etc.?

That is very wide of the Question.