§ Viscount Suirdaleasked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that there is still a shortage of beer available in S.E.A.C.; and what steps he is taking to meet this grievance.
§ Mr. AmeryYes, Sir. This is one of the matters to which special attention is being given by His Majesty's Government and measures are being taken to increase the scale of export beer available to South East Asia Command. As, however, these measures are unlikely to provide sufficient to ensure the full ration desired, concurrent steps are being taken to increase the quantity of beer brewed in India. I can assure my hon. Friend that the urgent need for increasing the supply of beer to the Forces in South East Asia Command is fully appreciated by His Majesty's Government and that all efforts are being directed towards achieving this.