HC Deb 11 April 1949 vol 463 cc2463-4
33 and 34. Mr. Erroll

asked the Minister of Food (1) whether he is aware that, as a result of the 1938 figure being taken as the datum year, brewers in 1948 received only 60.2 per cent. of their normal sugar supplies and that, for the last three months of 1948, the percentage dropped to 56 per cent.; and whether he will cause an early review to be made as to how the sugar requirements of the brewing trade can be better met;

(2) whether he is aware that the reduced sugar allocation to brewers involves the use by them of a larger amount of barley for brewing than would otherwise be necessary; and whether, in view of the present adequacy of sugar supplies and the need for using as much barley as possible to improve the supply of animal feedingstuffs, he will review at an early date the present position with regard to brewers' sugar supplies.

40. Colonel Hutchison

asked the Minister of Food whether he will extend to the brewing industry an increase in the sugar allocation proportionate to that given to other industries.

Dr. Summerskill

The Brewing Industry at the moment get approximately 66 per cent. of their pre-war usage of sugar and glucose. We cannot allow them more at present because of the dollar difficulty.

Mr. Erroll

As the latest figures are, in fact, only 56 per cent. of the pre-war usage and as this cut involves a greater use of barley, will the Minister reconsider the matter so that the barley can be reduced and the more plentiful sugar increased?

Dr. Summerskill

I do not know where the hon. Gentleman gets his figures. I cannot trace them anywhere, and if he will let me know where he gets them I shall be obliged. As to the second part of the supplementary question, the hon. Gentleman must remember that barley and sugar are both short.

Colonel Hutchison

Is there any point in taking a penny off a pint of beer if the brewers cannot get the ingredients to make it?

Mr. W. R. Williams

Is not our main concern to see that the sugar goes into the homes of the people rather than in the direction suggested in the Question?

Dr. Summerskill

If I might answer the first supplementary question, the brewers are receiving 38 per cent. of the barley produced in 1948.