§ 11. Brigadier-General Clifton Brownasked the President of the Board of Trade why, notwithstanding contracts; already entered into with the Hops Marketing Board, the Board of Trade have refused permits for the export of hops to South Africa for the use of two large English companies engaged in the brewing trade there; and, as at the same time permits have been issued for the export of English hops to Eire and to Kenya and to other Dominions and Colonies and, as the two English companies trading in South Africa are engaged largely in supplying beer to South African troops under contract with the Government of the Union of South Africa, if he will reconsider this decision?
§ Sir A. DuncanBecause of the need to conserve supplies of hops, licences for the export of this season's crops for brewing are not being issued. An exception has been made in the case of Eire because of 2019 the substantial exports of beer from Eire to the United Kingdom. This policy has been adopted after consultation with the Ministry of Food.
Brigadier-General BrownWill my right hon. Friend inquire into cases where concerns think they have been very unfairly treated, compared with other brewers? Will he give me an opportunity of bringing their case before him?
§ Sir A. DuncanI am always most willing to look into any case further, but I should very much doubt whether any useful purpose would be served, because this is policy, and has been settled in view of the supplies that are available.
Brigadier-General BrownIt is not policy but what is felt to be unfairness which I wish my right hon. Friend to consider.
§ Sir A. DuncanI shall be very glad to consider that.