§ Sir R. Glynasked the Minister of Food what proportion of home-grown grain is now permitted for the distillation of spirits in the United Kingdom; if he is satisfied that the export of grain to Holland from the United Kingdom is not being allocated by the Dutch Government for distillation of spirits, some part of which is imported into this country; whether he will state the quantity of whisky that has been exported during the last six months; and whether he will consider the demands of the home market and release more grain for distillation in this country.
§ Sir B. SmithThe proportion of home grown grain of the 1945 crop permitted to be used in the distillation of spirits is 1.9 percent. The only grain being exported to Holland from the United Kingdom is barley for brewing beer for the exclusive use of troops. This barley is not allocated to the Dutch Government but to N.A.A.F.I. who are responsible for seeing that it is used for this purpose only. No potable spirits are imported into this country from Holland. Figures of exports of whisky are not available but the "Accounts relating to Trade and Navigation of the United Kingdom" give exports of home-made spirits, which in the main are whisky, as 2,888,331 proof gallons in the six months ended 31st October, 1945. I am satisfied that the home market is obtaining a reasonable share of the available supplies of whisky in relation to the demand for export and for the Services. The requirements of liberated countries and the need for grain for animal feeding stuffs make it impossible for me at present to license the use of additional cereals for distilling from the 1945 crop.