§ 56. Sir Smedley Crookeasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the concern among the industrial workers in the City of Birmingham because of the limited amount of beer obtainable; and will he take steps to remedy this, in view of the food value of beer, especially for those engaged in heavy work?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI know of no reason for a shortage of beer in Birmingham or elsewhere and am satisfied that any shortage that may have occurred will prove to have been of a temporary character. I am, however, causing inquiries to be made.
§ Sir Smedley CrookeHow can my hon. and gallant Friend expect men to do the necessary work for the war if they cannot get their beer?
Major Lloyd GeorgeWe must remember that the war is still on, and while it is important that supplies should be distributed as evenly as possible, we can distribute to those concerned only what the supply warrants. In this particular case they are getting exactly the same as everybody else.
§ Mr. MathersIs the claim made that there might be a shortage of everything but beer?
Major Lloyd GeorgeNo, Sir. I said that all these commodities are in short supply and that people are getting their ration of beer as of other things as well.