73. Mr. Scott-Elliotasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that greatly increased quantities of barley are required for feeding livestock at home; and whether he will stop exports to Eire.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe quantity of barley exported to Eire is relatively small, and is used entirely for brewing beer for re-export to this country. In view of the importance of maintaining adequate supplies of beer, my right hon. Friend is not prepared to stop this export.
§ Mr. BowlesWill my hon. Friend arrange to send a little more barley to brewers in the West Midlands who should, but who do not, supply a sufficient quantity of beer? Is my hon. Friend aware that in the West Midlands we are 4 per cent. below the rest of the country?
§ Dr. SummerskillIf my hon. Friend goes into the percentages, he will find that the West Midlands are a long way above the pre-war cosumption figure.
§ Mr. BowlesBut they are 4 per cent. below the rest of the country.