asked the Minister of Food if he will give details of the arrangements for grants which have been, or are being, offered to Australia and other Dominions through the Oversea Food Corporation, or otherwise, to finance the expansion of particular types of food production.

None, Sir. His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom will, however, welcome any further steps which can be taken in other countries of the Commonwealth to secure increased production of the foodstuffs needed by this country, and there have been preliminary discussions between the Ministry of Food and representatives of the Australian Government regarding possible developments. The question how such developments should be financed has not so far been discussed.

Does the answer of the Minister mean that the statement, or message, from a Melbourne correspondent in "The Times" last Wednesday about a £50 million grant for particular purchases of particular goods has any foundation whatever?

I read that despatch with interest, and indeed pleasure to find that our Australian friends were keen, but it was a little premature in view of the fact that the Overseas Food Corporation is not yet set up.