the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what calorific scale is likely to operate in the British zone of Germany during the winter; and whether there is an increase of available German-grown foodstuff over last year.

It is calculated that the ration in the combined zone can be maintained throughout the winter at its present level of 1,430 calories per day for the normal consumer. Owing to last winter's severe weather followed by the summer drought supplies of German-grown foodstuffs in the combined zone will be less than last year.

Can we take it that the ration of 1,400 odd calories will be honoured?

Yes, Sir. At least I can say that the stock position, so far as bread grains are concerned, is very much better than last year.

Will my hon. Friend confirm that there is not the slightest chance of doing this unless the imports of food during the October and November months reach 814,000 tons and during December, 700,000, and that there is not the slightest possibility of those figures being achieved?

I think that is over-pessimistic, but I would not like to challenge the figures without notice.

The hon. Gentleman can challenge those figures if he is in fact assuring me that the ration will be honoured.

I should like notice to consider those figures.