HC Deb 03 July 1917 vol 95 cc901-2

The following Question stood in the name of Mr. W. THORNE:

40.To ask the Prime Minister if be is aware of the discontent in all the large towns, and more especially in towns like London, Barrow-in-Furness, Sheffield, Birmingham, Newcastle, Manchester, Leeds, and Nottingham, because of the shortage of beer; if he can state whether the Government will consider the advisability of increasing the barrelage from 10,000,000 to 15,000,000; and if he is now prepared to make a statement on the matter?

Mr. THORNE

This question is postponed by request, but I would be glad if the Chancellor of the Exchequer would name a day?

Mr. BONAR LAW

If my hon. Friend will put down the question for to-morrow, I hope to be able to answer it.

Sir J. D. REES

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these large cities require a great deal of stimulant before they can stand proportional representation?

42. Mr. O'DONNELL

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has been informed of the number of cases in Ireland where licence holders have been unable to get their one-third supply of beer because previously they got it from men who were not recognised agents of brewers; and whether, seeing that these men are being ruined, he will have the law amended so as to give an equal distribution to all traders?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I am informed that it is the case that a number of licence holders in Ireland are finding it difficult to obtain the supply of beer to which they consider themselves entitled, and that the difficulty is increased by the fact that the persons from whom they obtained supplies in the year ended 31st March, 1916, are not recognised as agents by the brewers who brewed the beer. I am afraid it is not possible to amend the law so as to effect the result desired. This seems a matter in which the brewers concerned might usefully advise the persons who are, it is understood, declining to supply.

Mr. O'DONNELL

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the suggestion of giving these men the right of civil action?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I do not see how that depends on the Government.

Mr. O'DONNELL

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the amending, of the Beer Restrictions Act, so as to give them that right?