§ 73. Major DAVID DAVIESasked whether malsters are allowed to purchase barley at 5s. 3d. per quarter above the standard rate for the brewing of beer; whether this Regulation prevents the miller from obtaining his full supply of cereals for the purpose of mixing the flour in accordance with the official prescription; and, if so, whether he will state what action he proposes to take in this matter?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The quantity of barley allowed to be used for malt is rather less than half the estimated crop of the United Kingdom and has almost all been already bought. The remainder of the crop, together with imported barley, should provide ample diluent for flour millers, but it is feared that in some localities there may be a scarcity owing to farmers feeding barley to their live stock in contravention of the Food Controller's Orders.
Mr. CHANCELLORIs there any reason why the best barley should be refused for bread and diverted to the making of beer by this preferential treatment?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe facts surrounding the difference illustrated in the question have already been repeatedly replied to.
Mr. CHANCELLORWhy forbid millers paying the same price as brewers and so preventing the millers getting barley?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe reasons are really too numerous for me to go into now.