HC Deb 11 April 1922 vol 153 cc232-3
64. Captain MARTIN

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that a great deal of the unrest amongst the working classes is due to falling wages and the exorbitant price of beer; and whether he will seriously consider in his Budget proposals the advisability of reducing the duty on the barrel of beer by 50 per cent.?

Mr. YOUNG

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer is aware of representations in the sense mentioned by my hon. and gallant Friend, but he is unable to anticipate the Budget proposals on this matter.

Captain MARTIN

Am I to understand from the answer that the Government are really trying to bring about prohibition in an indirect way?

Mr. YOUNG

I do not think any word could have fallen from me that could give rise to such a suggestion.