§ 30. Brigadier-General COLVINasked the Food Controller if he is aware of the difficulty experienced by invalids and old people in obtaining brandy or whisky even on the production of a medical certificate; and whether he will take steps to enable such people to obtain spirits in small quantities at a reasonable price?
§ Mr. McCURDYI am given to understand that, as a result of the recent increase in the releases from bond, it should be possible for all reasonable requirements to be met in the near future. I would, however, remind the hon. and gallant Member that the responsibility in this matter is not that of the Ministry of Food.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs the hon. Gentleman aware that at Victoria Station the other day an old gentleman was taken suddenly ill and was told he must get a medical certificate before he could get a glass of brandy?
Lieutenant-Colonel C. LOWTHERMay I ask when the restriction on whisky and brandy will be entirely removed, and is not the longevity of the restriction causing great hardship?
§ Sir R. WOODSMay I ask if there is any truth in the report that some of the spirits that have recently been released were not originally intended for potable purposes, but for the manufacture of munitions?
§ Mr. McCURDYI can only repeat what I have said, that the removal or the retention of the restriction complained of is not within the decision of the Ministry of Food.
§ Mr. SEXTONIs the hon. Gentleman aware that in the Allied countries and on the Continent there is no difficulty in securing an unlimited supply of whisky exported from this country?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat does not come within the hon. Gentleman's Department.