HC Deb 30 July 1942 vol 382 cc690-1
56. Mr. Mathers

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will limit or pro hibit the payment of the £2 subsidy on land devoted to the cultivation of rye unless an undertaking is given that it will not be supplied for the manufacture of intoxicating beverages?

Mr. Hudson

No, Sir. The payment of the £2 per acre ploughing grant under the Agricultural Development Acts, 1939 and 1940, is not conditional on the use made of the crop grown on the land.

Mr. Mathers

Does the Minister adhere to his expressed opinion that rye used for making beer is being used for equally good purposes as compared with rye used for bread, and what is the scientific basis for that opinion?

Mr. Hudson

I should have thought that common sense was the basis.