HC Deb 28 June 1917 vol 95 cc501-2
49. Mr. FINNEY

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to a resolution from a meeting of representatives of the North Stafford-shire and District Band of Hope Union, Stoke-on-Trent, representing 150 temperance societies situated in all parts of North Stafford-shire and comprising over 13,000 members, protesting against the delay of His Majesty's Government in enacting that prohibition of the manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquors shall take effect for the further continuance of the War and for six months afterwards, and stating that this traffic has always endangered and postponed our success during the War by impairing the physical efficiency of the people by delaying the production of munitions, by squandering the national resources, and earnestly appealing to the Members of the Government to follow the example of Russia and France, and without delay introduce the prohibition of drink as referred to; and whether he can indicate the intentions of the Government respecting the same?

50. Mr. BUTLER LLOYD

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that farmers in Shropshire are experiencing difficulty in obtaining beer, which is essential for the men working in the harvest; and will he take immediate steps to remedy this state of things?

58. Mr. W. THORNE

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware of the discontent in all the large towns, and more especially in towns like London, Barrow-in-Furness, Sheffield, Birmingham, New- castle, Manchester, Leeds, and Nottingham because of the shortage of beer; and if he can state whether the Government will consider the advisability of increasing the barrelage from ten millions to fifteen millions?

64. Major HUNT

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the new Regulations as to the brewing of beer will enable farmers and small holders to purchase malt for the purpose of brewing beer for their own requirements but not for sale?

69. Major NEWTON

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is now able to announce that steps have been taken to make available sufficient beer, of suitable quality and at a reasonable price, for agricultural labourers engaged in harvest work?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Bonar Law)

The Government are aware that there is a shortage of beer for men working at the harvest and for workers in some of the towns, and are in consultation with the Food Controller as to the means which should be taken for supplying the deficiency during the summer months. I am not able, as I hoped, to give details to-day, but I expect to be in a position to do so early next week.