§ Mr. A. WILLIAMSasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food, what stocks of beer and other malt liquor exist in this country; and how long these stocks would last at the present rate of consumption in the event of brewing being suspended?
Captain BATHURSTIt is impossible to give the figures asked for with any certainty, but I am informed that the stocks of beer probably represent two to three weeks' supply. Most of the beer now made leaves the breweries within forty-eight hours from the time when it is casked, and is consumed within a week thereafter.