HC Deb 23 January 1918 vol 101 cc979-80
45. Major DAVIES

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the statements made by Mr. Hoover, the Food Controller of the United States, that grain exported from America is being used for the manufacture of alcoholic liquor in this country; and whether, having regard to the patriotic efforts which are being made by the people of the United States to provide the Allies with supplies of food and the feeling which exists against the manufacture of liquor in time of war, he will give an assurance to the Government of the:United States that all grain fit for human and animal consumption will be utilised in this country for the purposes of food?

Mr. PARKER (Lord of the Treasury)

I have been asked to reply. The answer to the first, part of the question is in the nega- tive. As I have already stated, in view of the Report of the Commission of Inquiry into Industrial Unrest, the Government cannot regard the restricted quantity of beer now allowed to he brewed as involving an avoidable waste of foodstuffs.

Mr. CHANCELLOR

Then why did the right hon. Gentleman's predecessor speak of the large waste of foodstuffs?

Mr. PARKER

I cannot answer for my predecessor.

49 and 82. Mr. CHANCELLOR

asked (1) the Prime Minister if he is aware of the resentment at the effect of the Food Controller's Regulation, which allows brewers to pay 5s. 3d. per quarter more than millers for barley, in diverting the best quality from use, in bread, -thus deteriorating its quality and accentuating shortage; and whether, now that brewers have bought nearly half the entire crop, he will cancel that Regulation, and put bread consumers on an equality with beer drinkers, and bakers with brewers, by allowing the same maximum prices to all buyers; and (2) the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he will stop discouraging the use of the best foodstuffs for food by discontinuing the preference of 5s. 3d. per quarter hitherto allowed to brewers and putting all purchasers of barley on an equality in regard to maximum prices?

Mr. PARKER

I have been asked to reply. The point raised by the hon. Member is at the moment under consideration, and it is hoped to make an announcement shortly.