HC Deb 23 February 1916 vol 80 c697
68. Mr. HOGGE

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he can state what action he is taking with regard to Scottish grain distilleries; whether he is taking over the distilleries for the period of the War; whether he can state if there are sufficient stocks of whisky to maintain the three-year-old standard after the War; and whether adequate arrangements are being made to maintain the supply of yeast?

Dr. ADDISON

Negotiations on this subject are in progress. My right hon. Friend hopes to make a statement about it shortly.

Mr. HOGGE

As the right hon. Gentleman has been hoping to make his statement for some days, can the hon. Gentleman now say when the statement is to be made?

Dr. ADDISON

The right hon. Gentleman could not fix a date. There has been no delay. Every possible occasion of delay is being avoided. As my hon. Friend knows very well, it is a very difficult and complicated matter, and the negotiations being conducted are going on very well, and my right hon. Friend will make his statemet as soon as he possibly can.

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