DISTILLING. RESTRICTION OF: Memo. by the Minister of Food. Reply to House of Commons Question on 28.2.40. (Enc.).

4. In these circumstances, it will be very difficult, if not impracticable, to ensure that production during the year ending September, 1940, conforms with the letter of the Cabinet's decision, and an attempt to adhere strictly to that decision will cause great inconvenience and discontent in the industry. I propose, therefore, with the approval of my colleagues, to make the Order restricting output relate to the 12 months commencing January 1st, 1940, while retaining the base year October 1st 1939/September 30th, 1940, for the purpose of allocating quotas.