§ 47. Sir Ralph Glynasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food why no decision has been reached in regard to the production of malt and grain whisky; whether, in view of the importance of the export trade which is taking 50 per cent. of the total production, he will do everything to increase the quantity of whisky produced so that there shall not be an undue shortage for home trade, and that stocks should be distri- 1522 buted as widely as possible, having regard to the heavy losses already sustained owing to the concentration of large quantities at a limited number of ports; and whether, in view of the value of this trade from a national point of view, he will recognise the importance to distillers of being able to retain ample basic stock for blending and other purposes, which can only be arranged once the quantities of the raw materials have been laid down?
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Major Lloyd George)I regret that I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave my hon. Friend on 26th November.
§ Sir R. GlynDoes the right hon. and gallant Gentleman recognise that the lack of decision on the part of the Ministry is causing great anxiety and is leading to distress among the employees of distilleries? Is it not reasonable to expect that some allocation should be made in the immediate future?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI am afraid I cannot add to my earlier answer, which was that I will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as possible.