§ 55. Mr. ROBERT YOUNGasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that, owing to the additional duty of £1 per barrel on beer, the price of 4d. beer has been raised from 64s. to 69s. per barrel net to retailers, which in the case of workmen's clubs means an additional tax on the consumers; and whether he will take steps to prevent the increased price being continued and the additional price already paid to wholesale merchants refunded?
§ Mr. McCURDYI have been asked to reply to this question. It was the intention of the Government that the additional duty should be equitably apportioned between wholesalers and retailers. The precise method of apportionment, in case of disagreement, is considered by joint 1600 local committees of wholesalers and retailers, and I know of no case where such committees have failed to reach agreement.