§ 3. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the very high prices at present ruling for beer, especially in view of the fall in price of all the materials used in its manufacture; whether he has any statistics showing the existence of profiteering in this branch of industry, or in the distribution of beer; and, if so, whether these can be published for the information of the public?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Baldwin)No representations on the subject of the first part of the question have been received in my Department. The answer to the second part is in the negative. The third part does not therefore arise.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWill the right hon. Gentleman take this question as a representation, especially if I assure him that the feeling in my constituency on this matter is very strong?
§ Sir H. BRITTAINIn all parts of the country.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWill the right hon. Gentleman's Department look into the matter for the protection of the public?
Captain COOTEWhy has there been no drop in the price of beer seeing that barley has fallen 28s. per quarter?
§ Mr. BALDWINThe short answer to that is that the taxation of beer is so heavy now that the price of the materials out of which beer is made becomes almost negligible. In answer to my hon. and gallant Friend, I can assure him that I have a great deal of sympathy with those who desire cheap beer.