asked the Minister of Food if he will now make an announcement about the allocation of barley for distilling in 1947.

I have now allotted 50,000 tons of barley from the 1946 crop for distilling. Although the coarse grains prospect is better, the present position is still very tight, and I am desperately anxious to give every available ton to our livestock. I have, therefore, only squeezed out this small initial allotment to the distillers because it is so important to get the industry—which is now wholly stopped—into motion again. Whisky is one of our most valuable dollar exports, and I have received an assurance from the distillers that they will now postpone the cut in exports which they had been forced to contemplate.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this statement, coming almost at the eleventh hour, will infuse a great measure of confidence in the industry?

With regard to the dollar exports, may I ask what is the price being charged to the United States for a bottle of whisky at the present time?

That is another question, but I think the right hon. Gentleman is suggesting that the price is too low.

Yes, Sir.

That, of course, is a question for the exporters, and they will surely look after their own interests and charge what they consider is the best price.

Is it not the case that the price of a bottle of whisky exported to America to gain dollars is five shillings, or something like that, and that here it is about five times as much?

Is it not the case that we are exporting a dozen bottles for £3, and that a single bottle of whisky is being sold in New York for £3?

If the sort of situation should arise again, will the right hon. Gentleman show himself less reluctant to accept the advice of Scottish Unionist Members than he has on this occasion?

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that if he sees his way in the near future to grant a further and adequate allocation of barley to the distilling industry, it will be greeted with a sigh of relief by the entire civilised world?