HC Deb 03 April 1946 vol 421 cc1249-50
59. Mr. Peter Freeman

asked the Minister of Food whether it is his intention to make use of the 467,000 tons of sugar, barley, barley malt and other foodstuffs now held by the brewing and distilling industries to augment the limited supplies of food in this country and abroad during the present emergency.

Sir B. Smith

I am afraid I cannot adopt the hon. Member's suggestion. All stocks of raw materials held by the brewers are needed to maintain their current production which I have no present intention of reducing. I do not propose to alter the distillers' current allocation of cereals which is barely sufficient to cover the present low releases for the home and export markets.

Mr. Boothby

Can the Minister say when he does propose to increase the allowance of raw materials?

Sir B. Smith

just as soon as the raw materials are available.

Mr. Scollan

Does that mean that the brewers' interests are far more important than other people's interests?

Sir B. Smith

I would say that the interests of the beer consuming public in this country are also a matter of importance.