§ 56. Major M'KENZIE WOODasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is 1020 aware that the whole of the new duty on beer is placed on the retailers of liquor by the Scottish brewers, and that in every class of beer the brewers' new prices, with the exception of one class, actually put them in pocket up to 4s. 5d. per barrel; and what steps he proposes to take to have the duty more equitably divided between both branches of the trade?
Mr. ROBERTSI have been asked to reply. I have no exact information as to the figures to which the hon. and gallant Member refers. I may say, however, that local committees consisting of representatives of the brewers and retailers in the districts concerned are now set up for the purpose of dealing with cases of dispute or grievances arising out of prices charged for beer by brewers to the retail trade. A Board of Appeal has also been established to which cases which cannot be settled by these committees may be referred; further, if the Board of Appeal disagree, the question may be referred to the Ministry of Food. I have every reason to believe that it will be possible by means of this machinery to remove any cases of hardship which may have arisen.
§ Sir G. YOUNGERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that when the 25 per cent. increase of beer was allowed in. February the Scottish brewers immediately reduced their prices, and, therefore this question is entirely misleading?
§ Mr. REMERDid not the right hon. Gentleman so fix the price of beer that the whole of the new taxation should be borne by the brewers, and not by the public?