HC Deb 28 August 1914 vol 66 c263
6. Mr. LEACH

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture what steps, if any, his Department is taking to restrict, during the continuance of the War, the use of grain for the manufacture of beer, which manufacture in the year ending 30th September, 1913, consumed over fifty-two million bushels of malt?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Sir Harry Verney)

The Board are carefully watching the situation both as regards the supply of grain and also the maintenance of full supplies of feeding-stuffs for stock through the winter. At present, however, the Board do not consider that it is necessary to take such steps as those suggested by my hon. Friend.

Mr. C. BATHURST

Does the hon. Baronet realise that if this proposal were carried out it would throw a large number of persons out of employment?

Sir H. VERNEY

Yes, Sir.