12 JULY 1946, Page 14

BEER AND BARLEY

Snt,—The Minister of Mod established a case in the House on July 3rd for the temporary rationing of bread, and has suggested that this will effect a saving of some 5 per cent, to 7J per cent. in our national con- sumption of grain during the next three months. Assuming a total grain consumption of 5 million tons a year in this country (the Minister's figures), this will result in the saving of 250,000 tons in twelve months. The only question that our country has to face is whether there is any alternative means of effecting this reduction that would be- less severe. At the moment 960,000 tons of grain a year are ear-marked for the brewing and distilling trades, a quantity sufficient to provide nearly four times the economy that the Minister visualises. Why should this reduction not be secured by the manufacture of synthetic beer, a process which every reputable brewer understands, and which was nationally adopted in Germany during the last two wars? The hops are available—they are not food ; sugar is available, although needed in other directions ; and there are a number of vegetable alternatives which could be used which would provide-the necessary stimulant. Admittedly, the beer might not be so palatable, but beer-drinkers would, in case of necessity, accept this temporary measure to avoid the destruction of food otherwise available for their wives and children. We at least should have the Minister's assurance that this economy has been considered, and should know why it is not