§ 61. Mr. R. YOUNGasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if the enhanced profits due to the increases previously authorised have been 1157 only partially absorbed by raising the Beer Duty from 50s. to 70s. a standard barrel and are only in part earmarked for the benefit of the consumer by the provisions of the new Beer (Prices and Descriptions) Order; whether in this case these authorisations have resulted in the receipt by the brewers of a residue of enhanced profit after paying the increased duty and providing for compliance with the provisions of the Order; whether in that case steps will be taken by the Government as soon as possible to absorb this residue; whether the authorisation announced on 2nd July of an increase beyond the 26,000,000 barrels standard will, in fact, lead to a further increased output of beer and therefore to a further increased profit; and, if so, what steps are to be taken by the Government to ensure that the whole of this further profit will be absorbed either in improving the quality of beer or in increased receipts by the National Exchequer?
Mr. ROBERTSThe enhanced profits of brewers and retailers of beer due to the removal of restrictions on output were partially absorbed by the increased Beer Duty, and will further be considerably diminished by the operation of the amended Beer Prices Order after 1st August next. It is difficult to predict the future consumption of beer at present prices or to estimate the cost of materials and manufacture. Until it is clear that there will be, in fact, some residue of enhanced profit it is impossible to say what will be the best method of absorption.