§ 40. Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGEasked the Minister of Agriculture if he has any figures to show how the purchase of British barley by brewers compares with last year?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI understand that the Brewers' Society are in course of collecting particulars of the purchases of British barley by brewers this year and last year, and that from the information so far available it is estimated that purchases of British barley by the brewers 560 concerned have increased by 530,000 cwt. as compared with the same period last year.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGECan the right hon. Gentleman say whether these increases are increases owing to consumption, or increases owing to the additional percentage of British barley brewed?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI am afraid that I cannot. say without notice, but shall be happy to inquire if my hon. and gallant Friend desires.
§ Brigadier-General Sir HENRY CROFTIs it not a fact that on all markets there is very clear evidence that since the new crop has been available a larger proportion has been used and the price has been a far more economic one for the farmers concerned?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI believe a much larger quantity has been used, and the price has shown a considerable improvement.
§ Sir W. DAVISONAre not very large quantities of barley coming from Russia?
§ Sir H. CROFTIs it not a fact that the shipments from Russia go into chicken food?