§ Major HURSTasked the Food Controller whether the present system of rationing clubs with beer (50 per cent. of the 1916 consumption) operates to the benefit of clubs whose members hung back from military service and to the disadvantage of clubs whose members enlisted in 1914–15; and whether, on this ground, he will consider the feasibility of rationing on a percentage of the 1914 consumption?
Mr. ROBERTSThe position is not quite as stated by the hon. and gallant Member. Each brewer had the option of being rationed on his output during the twelve months ending 30th September, 1914, or during the twelve months ending 31st March, 1916; and free licence holders and clubs are entitled to obtain either beer, or a certificate enabling them to purchase beer elsewhere, from the brewer who supplied them in the selected period. Moreover, the Ministry have distributed, and are distributing, certificates for extra brewing to meet all cases of ascertained hardship.