§ 32. Mr. DUNCAN MILLARasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the attention of the speakers and officials of the War Savings Committees, and other workers whose services have been enlisted in connection with the Food Economy Campaign, has been directed by the Food Controller to the need for reducing the consumption of intoxicating liquors as well as the consumption of food, having regard to the quantity of grain and other food materials employed in the manufacture of intoxicants and to the fact that £200,000,000 were expended on intoxicants last year; and whether he will see that reference is also made to this subject in the literature circulated in the course of the campaign?
Captain BATHURSTThe Food Economy Campaign is only concerned with the need for economy in the consumption of food, and especially of breadstuffs. To include specific reference to intoxicating liquors in the literature used would involve the campaign in controversies which, having regard to its voluntary nature, might be prejudicial to its success. The production and consumption of intoxicating liquors are being restricted compulsorily.
§ Mr. MILLARCan the hon. Gentleman say whether he does not think it fair that as bread and sugar consumers are now-rationed, the consumers of intoxicants should also be placed on exactly the same footing, and be rationed on the basis of the amount of grain and sugar required to produce their special beverage, and should not be allowed as they are at the present moment—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member had better hand that question in.
§ Sir J. D. REESCan the hon. Gentleman say whether these attacks on the liquor trade under cover of the War do not produce the just and deep resentment of the trade?
Captain BATHURSTI have no knowledge whatever as to that. That is not the standpoint from which we have to view 2210 these problems. Our sole consideration is to see that the food supply is maintained without regard to any other interests.
§ Sir J. D. REESCan the hon. Gentleman say whether that blinds him and his Department to the object which underlies the question?
§ 54. Mr. COOTEasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the increasing stringency of our food supply and of the anxiety of all classes as to our resources in wheat and other cereals and sugar, and of the growing resentment at the waste of our staple foods in the manufacture of drink, he will state if the Government will adopt measures to prohibit absolutely this waste during the War and for the period of demobilisation; and will he consider the advisability of now making an attempt to settle by a scheme equitable to all interests the whole question of supplies of intoxicating liquors by means of a measure giving local option?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Bonar Law)I cannot usefully add anything at present to the replies already given on this subject.