§ 51. Major-General Sir ALFRED KNOXasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the loss to the revenue of the arrangement made with the breweries in 1923 by which the cost of beer to the consumer was reduced by 1d. per pint?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIt was estimated at the time of the 1923 Budget that the reduction in duty by£1 per bulk barrel would, after allowing for a consequential increase in consumption, cost the Exchequer about£16½ millions in the first full year. It is not possible to say exactly what the cost has been, but I see no reason to suppose that that estimate was far out.
Captain ARTHUR EVANSIn view of the rating relief which the breweries will receive under the Bill which is being brought in by the Government, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether they can see their way substantially to reduce the price of beer?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI do not see that there is any relevance in the two things.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSHas any guarantee been given to the right hon. Gentleman by the breweries that, in view of their enormous profits, they will hand the benefit on to the consumers?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo, I have received no guarantee.
§ Mr. R. RICHARDSONHas the right hon. Gentleman's attention been drawn to the difference between the dividends paid by the breweries in 1914 and those paid to-day?