HC Deb 06 February 1918 vol 101 cc2232-3
13. Mr. LOUGH

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been drawn to the prosecution of a Mr. Bloomfield, J.P., by the local food committee at Halstead, in Essex, for using meal made from barley grown by himself to feed his stock of 200 pigs instead of selling it to the maltster, as it was the cheapest food he could obtain; and whether he will say why sanction is given for such food being used to make beer while the great scarcity of bacon continued?

Mr. PARKER (Lord of the Treasury)

The answer to this question was printed in yesterday's OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. LOUGH

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether it is a criminal offence to feed your own barley to—

Mr. SPEAKER

The right hon. Gentleman had better apply to a lawyer.

Mr. CHANCELLOR

May I inquire whether this shameful practice of giving a preference to the brewing interests over the millers has been reconsidered?

Mr. PARKER

The hon. Member may understand that this question has been fully considered, and that, in the opinion of those best capable of judging of food values, barley when turned into malt is as 45 against 13 if it is used for feeding-stuffs.

Mr. CHANCELLOR

That is not my point. I want to know whether the preference still being given to the brewers is to be reconsidered?

Mr. PARKER

I cannot add to the answers I have already given.