asked the Minister of Food whether he has considered the representations from the steel workers employed by the South Durham Steel and Iron Company; and what action he proposes to take to remedy this grievance.

I have considered the letter sent to me by my hon. Friend, but I regret that I am unable to give these workers extra rations in their homes. They can, of course, make full use of the canteen facilities which are available, and I will consult with them on how best to adapt their canteens to their needs.

Would my hon. Friend consider that some of these workers are unable to make use of the existing canteen facilities, because they cannot leave their jobs, and is he aware that that is a general complaint?

I appreciate that point, and it is exactly to adapting the canteen facilities to the needs of these particular men that we are now addressing our efforts, and we think it is quite possible.

Would the Minister bear in mind the necessity of maintaining the standard of beer for these workers.