HC Deb 09 March 1922 vol 151 cc1474-5
44 and 62. Mr. SIMM

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he is aware that beer of inferior quality is commonly sold at 5d. per pint or in glasses at 5d. per glass containing less than half a pint; recognising that beer and spirits yield so large a revenue, will he consider the desirability of taking steps to ensure that beer and spirits sold shall be of a reasonable standard of quality and only recognised standard measures permitted;

(2) asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been drawn to a statement of the judge at the Newcastle-on-Tyne Assizes, when a man was being tried for supplying inferior beer and spirits at maximum prices, that such frauds were not unknown outside Newcastle; and if he will consider the desirability of strengthening the law to protect the public against such practices and ensure the due enforcement of a standard quality of beer and spirits being supplied in standard measures?

Mr. BALDWIN

My attention has not been drawn to the facts stated in the first part of either question. For the rest, I would refer to the answers which I have given recently in the House, copies of which I am sending to the hon. Member.

Sir J. NORTON-GRIFFITHS

Does my right hon. Friend drink beer? Has he tasted it?

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Will the right hon. Gentleman cause the Cabinet to consider in the forthcoming Budget a reduction in the duties, because wages have fallen so much that the workman can hardly buy a pint of beer?

Viscountess ASTOR

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire into the profits made by the brewers out of beer before reducing the price of beer to the working man? The brewers can do it. [HON. MEMBERS: "Speech!"] It is not a speech.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the price of champagne for the aristocracy was reduced in the last Budget?