§ 42. Sir W. Darlingasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the annual Scottish production of barley in 1940, 1942, 1944, 1946 and 1948; and what proportion was bought for distilling.
Mr. McNeilThe production of barley in Scotland in the years referred to was respectively 104,000 tons, 159,000 tons, 214,000 tons, 201,000 tons and 182,000 tons. Information is not available as to the proportion of those crops bought for distilling.
§ Sir W. DarlingIs it not a fact that the production of barley is falling steeply in Scotland, and are the Government taking steps to remedy that unfortunate situation?
Mr. McNeilI agree that the position of the barley acreage in Scotland must be constantly attended to, but I could not agree that it is falling steeply.
§ Sir H. WilliamsWould the right hon. Gentleman apply to distilling the same principles of need and willingness as he has applied to housing?
§ Mr. James HudsonIs there not enough whisky in the world without having to increase it?
§ Sir W. DarlingWould the right hon. Gentleman take steps to correct the ignorance of the hon. Member for Ealing, West (Mr. J. Hudson) of the fact that the demand for this important Scottish 2030 commodity is universal, and would be greater if the Government would permit it?