asked the Minister of Food what is the number of duplicate ration books issued to replace lost books during the ration year 1946–47.

During the rationing year 1946 to 1947 some 932,000 food ration books were issued to replace books reported lost, stolen or destroyed.

Since in the previous year the figure was about 673,000, is it not a pretty clear indication that there is a serious leakage, presumably into the black market?

My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary held a careful inquiry into this in the Autumn, and she was satisfied that there was no evidence that it represented a black market leakage.

How many of these 900,000 lost books were found and were returned to the Department?

I should have to have notice of that question.

The right hon. Gentleman will get it.