asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will be prepared to increase the bread ration to boatmen engaged in the haulage of sea sand for manurial purposes, in view of the uncertain hours they have to work arising from tidal variations.

I am now prepared to consider applications for supplementary allowances of flour and bread from boatmen who are engaged full-time in the haulage of sea sand for manurial purposes, and who are unable to make arrangements to return home for meals.