Mr. E. P. Smith:

asked the Minister of Food what he estimates to be the average daily intake of food per person in Great Britain in terms of calories so far as unrationed and non-pointed foodstuffs are concerned; and what is the basis of his calculation.

The estimated national average calorie intake from all foods, rationed and unrationed is 2,870 per head per day. Consumption by individuals within this total differs widely. To calculate the average daily calorie intake of rationed and points foods, and hence that of unrationed foods, would involve lengthy calculations, which I do not think would be justified, since the result would have no relation to individual cases.

Mr. Smith:

Does this not show that all this talk of an average calorie intake of 2,870 calories per day is absolute bunkum, because there is nothing on which to base it, apart from the rations and pointed food supplies?

The calorie values for rationed foods have been given, but now the hon. Member is asking me for the calorie value of unrationed food. Fish and chips are unrationed, but they contain rationed food such as fats.

Mr. Smith:

Can the hon. Lady tell me how the 2,800 calories are made up?

That is simple—the consumption of the country divided by the population.