asked the Minister of Food why, in view of the necessity of conserving petrol, he flew to Liverpool to meet the first food ship from Russia; and what was the cost of the trip and who paid it.

My right hon. Friend flew to Liverpool to welcome the first food ship from Russia because in the time at his disposal it was the only way he could possibly fulfil this engagement. The trip cost £47 10s. and is borne by the Exchequer.

May I ask the hon. Lady to use the word "taxpayer" in future?. How dare the Minister of Food, when we are being deprived of our basic ration, use petrol quite uselessly? May I ask whether in doing so he tried to appeal to the vanity of Russia and to placate the implacable?

He did neither. This was a friendly gesture and was well worth the cost.

Has the Minister welcomed any further food shipments?

Yes, Sir. I welcomed eggs from Canada.