§ 30. Mr. GRETTONasked the President of the Board of Trade what quantity of foreign ale and beer was imported into the United Kingdom during the year 1914–15, and also during the first two quarters of 1915–16?
§ Mr. PRETYMANThe numbers of barrels (of 36 gallons) of foreign ale and beer imported into the United Kingdom during the two periods specified by the hon. Member were 52,000 and 13,000 respectively.
§ Mr. WINGWould it not be wiser to use our shipping to more profitable purposes, in view of the scarcity of food?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat scarcely arises out of the question on the Paper.
§ 31. Sir J. D. REESasked the President of the Board of Trade whether on-licence holders who have obtained their supplies from beer dealers, and not directly from brewers, will be entitled to proportionate supplies under Clause 5 of the Output of Beer (Restriction) Bill; and, if not, whether he will amend the Bill so as to include beer dealers and their customers within the operation of that Clause?
§ Mr. PRETYMANThe Clause referred to is only intended to prevent brewers from differentiating against on-licence holders in the matter of the supply of beer. I do not think it would be possible to guarantee supplies to licence holders who did not obtain their beer direct.