HC Deb 07 August 1940 vol 364 cc215-6
71. Mr. Mathers

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the feeling created by the allocation of grain for brewing and distilling, while it is denied to poultry farmers and others, thus raising the price of important foodstuffs; and whether he will reconsider this policy?

Mr. Boothby

No imported grain is allocated to brewers or malt distillers, who must use home-produced barley. Grain distillers are restricted to one-third of their normal requirements. The price of home-produced feeding barley has been controlled by Order since the 1st of this month.

Mr. Mathers

But is there not here a possible source of supply of food instead of diverting it to less desirable uses?

Mr. Boothby

There are those who maintain that beer is food.