HC Deb 19 November 1928 vol 222 cc1408-9W
Mr. HURD

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the recent importations of malting barley; whether his Ministry is co-operating with the Empire Marketing Board to encourage distillers and brewers to do as is being done in Norfolk, namely, produce all-English beer and whisky?

Mr. GUINNESS

The total imports of barley during the three months August to October of the current year are below average, and from inquiries made at the four chief importing centres, it would appear that imported malting descriptions have been in rather smaller supply than usual this season. I am aware of what is being done in Norfolk, and I am considering whether any action is practicable along the lines referred to by my hon. Friend.