HC Deb 26 April 1948 vol 450 c29
73. Mr. Scott-Elliot

asked 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. Summerskill

The 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. Bowles

Will 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. Summerskill

If 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. Bowles

But they are 4 per cent. below the rest of the country.