§ 62. Mr. HINDLEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total quantity of dutiable sugar materials used by the brewing trade for the year 1923–24, and the amount of duty paid thereon; and whether it is proposed to take any steps to ensure that the benefit of the reduced duty on sugar is obtained by the retail distributors of beer and the consumers?
§ Mr. SNOWDENAs the answer is a long one, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following is the answer:
§ The latest information as to the quantities of materials used in the production of beer relates to the year ended 30th September, 1923. In that year 1,599,000 cwt. of sugar, including its equivalents of syrups, glucose and saccharum, were used. No precise information is available as to the amount of duty borne by these materials, but according to the best estimate that can be made the reduction in the Sugar Duty under the Budget proposals represents on the average a saving in cost of production of about 6d. per bulk barrel of 36 gallons at 1,044°. As brewers use these materials in varying quantities or not at all, no uniform relief to consumers can be looked for, though in some cases the reduction in duty should allow for some improvement in the quality of the beer supplied. Adjustment of the price charged by one section of the trade to another is a matter for the trade themselves to settle.