HC Deb 05 May 1932 vol 265 cc1272-3
43. Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTE

asked the Minister of Agriculture the proportions of home-grown and foreign barley used in the brewing of beer during the years 1929, 1930, and 1931?

The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Sir John Gilmour)

According to a special return obtained by the Board of Trade in connection with the Industrial Census of Production in 1924, it was estimated that probably about three-fifths of the malt used in brewing in that year was obtained from home-grown barley, but I regret that information is not available for the years mentioned by my hon. and gallant Friend.

Lieut. - Colonel ACLAND-TROYTE

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any idea as to whether there has been an increase or a decrease in the proportions?

Sir J. GILMOUR

No, Sir. I have not the data before me on which I could form an estimate.