HC Deb 24 February 1908 vol 184 cc1320-1
Mr. LEA (St. Pancras, E.)

To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will give a Return shewing the quantity of yeast produced in the distilleries of the United Kingdom, and the quantity imported annually for the last five years.

(Answered by Mr. Asquith.) There are no official statistics of the quantity of yeast made in this country. The quantities imported annually are shown in the published Customs Returns.

MR. LEA

To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he is aware of the fact that the provisions of Section 14, Sub-section 5, of the Act 61 and 62 Vict., c. 46, hamper the progress of the yeast industry in the United Kingdom by restricting the proportion of yeast which distillers may separate from their wash; and if he will see that the percentage of yeast which distillers may separate be raised from 15 to 20 on the whole wort brewed in the brewing period.

(Answered by Mr. Asquith.) I am not aware that the present restrictions with regard to the removal of yeast from the wash by distillers hamper the progress of the industry. If, however, a representation were made by the general body of yeast distillers in favour of a relaxation of the law, the matter would be considered.