17 FEBRUARY 1917, Page 3

Although practically no spirits are being produced for drinking, the

" Bread versus Beer " issue remains untouched. We have read the report of this debate partly with bewilderment and partly with humiliation. The only consolation in it is that Sir George Cave said that the Government would go further if necessity were proved- They did not exclude " State Control or even State Purchase." In other words, the Government refuse to lead, but are willing to be led. Let it be the part of a people intent upon winning the war to lead them. On this prospect we base our strongest hopes.