§ 65. Mr. MADDOCKSasked the Food Controller whether he is aware that certain brewers have recently been allowed to manufacture and export beer in excess of that proportion of their statutory barrelage which they are allowed to manufacture in accordance with the general permit to brewers; and whether he is aware that the beer thus exported is of unrestricted gravity while the beer manufactured for consumption in this country is restricted to an average gravity of 32 per cent.?
Mr. ROBERTSThe answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative. The course to which the hon. Member refers has been followed in view of the strong desirability of re-establishing trade 323 carried on before the War to such an extent as is compatible with the present requirements of this country and the materials available. I may say, as regards the second part of the question, that it is necessary that beer which will not in any case be consumed for some time, should be of a higher gravity than is at present normal in this country.
§ Mr. BILLINGDoes the right hon. Gentleman think it is right to export beer when there is a shortage in this country?