HC Deb 21 October 1942 vol 383 cc1972-3
62. Br. Little

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food the quantity of cereals and sugar used by the brewers during 1941?

Mr. Mabane

It would be contrary to the public interest to publish the figures for which my hon. Friend asks.

Dr. Little

Has it not been given out in the Press that it is justifiable to assume that 700,000 tons of cereals were used by the brewers during 1941, and have we not a right to receive the official figures?

Mr. Mabane

I would refer my hon. Friend to a reply given on 28th July by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, which indicates the reasons why it is not in the public interest to give the figures.