§ 84. Sir P. GOFFasked the Food Controller when he will see his way to provide the working men's clubs with beer and spirits; and whether he is aware that in some cases these clubs have not been provided for three weeks consecutively?
Mr. ROBERTSThe Ministry of Food have no stocks of beer and spirits at their disposal to provide the requirements of working men's clubs generally. It has, however, been possible to secure relief for certain clubs situated in munition areas. I have no information to the effect stated in the last part of the question. I may add that the whole question of the output of beer is under review, but that, as has already been stated, the decision on the matter does not rest with my Department.
§ Sir P. GOFFDoes the right hon. Gentleman fully appreciate the great inconvenience and strong feeling in the country about this matter, and the hardship upon the working man who has been at work all day?
§ Lieutenant-Colonel CLAUDE LOWTHERWill the right hon. Gentleman also say why any distinction is made between working men's clubs and the clubs frequented by the better classes?
Mr. ROBERTSI am not aware of any such distinction, but I am aware of the feeling in the country to which my hon. Friend refers.
Colonel THORNEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that the residential clubs can have liquor supplies until eleven o'clock, whereas the ordinary clubs can only supply liquor up to 9.30?
§ Sir J. BUTCHERWill my hon. Friend, in considering the allocation of these liquors, bear in mind the clubs for discharged soldiers which have been quite recently formed and which, at present, under the Regulations are not entitled to any drink at all?
§ Major BOYD-CARPENTERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the 2503 docks at Southampton there are several million gallons of whisky in the bonded warehouses?