asked the Minister of Food if he will consider allowing local Territorial Army formations to hold annual dinners with numbers in excess of 100 in order to encourage recruiting.

No, Sir. To do so at the present time would be contrary to the Government's policy which I explained in detail during the Debate in the House on Thursday, 27th November.

Would the hon. Lady say why soldiers and ex-soldiers are denied this privilege which is given to aged miners and old age pensioners?

I think I explained in the Debate why that was so.

Hon. Members:

No.