asked the Minister of Food if he will consider granting an extra ration of potatoes for children who attend schools where no mid-day meal is provided.

I regret that this would not be practicable.

Will the hon. Lady bear in mind the cases in small country towns where the fathers of families are not able to get mid-day meals out but must go home for them, which makes it harder for those families when the children cannot get food at school?

The hon. Gentleman must remember that, if we alter our regulations in respect of this group, we must give similar treatment to the children who live near schools but are unable to partake of meals at the schools. That would mean that our scheme would become unworkable.

Is the hon. Lady aware that if these schoolchildren were given a ration of raw fruit, such as apples, instead of potatoes it would be better for their health?

asked the Minister of Food whether he is now in a position to say what cuts have been made, under his potato distribution scheme, in the supply of potatoes to the Services.

I am not yet able to add to the reply I gave my hon. Friend on 24th November.

Is the hon. Lady aware that there is a widespread belief, which is fortified by reports from the men in the Services themselves, that there is a good deal of waste of food going on in the Forces? Will she see to it that, when cuts have to be made at home, comparable cuts are made in the food supplies to the men in the Services?

Yes, but my hon. Friend must remember that these proposed cuts must be confirmed by the Board of Admiralty, the Army Council and the Air Council.