asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider arranging for the British forces to brew their own beer behind the lines, as the farmers did in England, and so obtain draught beer which the consumer prefers to bottled and which could be sold at 1d. per pint, a figure more consonant with soldiers' pay?

If my hon. and learned Friend will send detailed particulars of his scheme, together with an analysis of estimated costs, to my right hon. Friend, he authorises me to say that he will consider it.

Is my hon. Friend not aware that the ingredients of a gallon of beer cost less than a penny, that the ingredients of a bottle of champagne cost less than a halfpenny, and that there are plenty of soldiers in the regiments who could make it, just as they cook their meals? It ought to be issued with the rations.