asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been called to the shortage in the supply of Scotch whisky; and whether he can make any statement on the subject?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. There are ample supplies of matured Scotch whisky in bond to meet the demands of the home and export markets. I am advised that the present dislocation of distribution is due to recent endeavours to purchase in excess of requirements for immediate consumption, and I see no reason to apprehend any anxiety when the situation has had time to adjust itself. There is no necessary connection between the present shortage of Scotch whisky and the recent curtailment of the production of new spirit.