34. Major DAVIESasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether any molasses or spirits are being imported for use in the manufacture of munitions; and whether the necessary spirits could be made by redistilling immature whisky already manufactured in this country?
§ Sir WORTHINGTON EVANS (Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The answer to the second part is also in the affirmative, but, after careful consideration of the question in all its bearings, it has been decided not to make spirit for munition purposes, for the present at any rate, by redistilling immature whisky.
Mr. CHANCELLORIs it supposed that the sugar which is being destroyed for this purpose is easily spared or that we have a surplus?
§ Sir W. EVANSIf the hon. Gentleman will look at the question, he will see that it refers to molasses.
§ Mr. MILLARCan the hon. Gentleman state what are the quantities of spirits that are being imported into this country at the present time?
§ Sir W. EVANSI have not got the figures.
§ Mr. MILLARCould the hon. Gentleman get the figures?
§ Sir W. EVANSIf the hon. Member will put down a question, I will consider the matter.