asked the Minister of Food the value of the present meat ration in terms of 1948 prices.

About 1s. 2d.

In view of the figure which the right hon. and gallant Gentleman has given, and the likelihood of another increase in the not too distant future, is not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman a little concerned about this matter, in view of the undertakings about reducing the cost of living?

I have been rather kind to the hon. Gentleman, because in 1948, which he chose, the meat ration varied between 1s. and 6d. I would also point out—and I am sure that he can confirm this figure through the wholesale societies—that 10 lb. more meat was consumed per person in 1953 than in the year referred to.