§ 32. Sir J. D. REESasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the present shortage of beer is in any way due to the refusal of brewers to brew the whole of the quantity permitted under the restrictions laid down by his Department, one of which is that the average gravity or strength of the beer shall not exceed 1,030 degrees in Great Britain and 1,045 degrees in Ireland; if so, whether he will take steps to ensure the full quantity being brewed in future?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Practically the whole of the permitted output is being produced, and the only known exception is due to shortage of labour. I may add that this denial equally applies to the suggestion that the charge for brewing for munition workers has affected the supply of beer in munition areas.