§ 52. Mr. HANNONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his attention has been called to the depressed condition of the allied brewery trades in Birmingham and the Midlands, resulting in a serious increase of unemployment; and if he will consider some modification of the Budget proposal relating to the tax on beer in the provisions of the forthcoming Finance Bill?
§ Major ELLIOTWith regard to the first part of the question, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer is fully aware of the position of the trades in question. With regard to the second part, the paramount consideration must be revenue, and there are no resources available for the purpose.
§ Mr. HANNONIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware of the rising tide of feeling throughout the country on this subject, and are not the masses of the working people of this country entitled to some consideration in the Budget arrangements of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, so that they may get their healthy glass of beer at a reasonable price?
§ Brigadier-General Sir HENRY CROFTIs it not a fact that a very great loss of revenue is likely to occur in the next 12 months owing to the fact that the industries referred to by the hon. Gentleman are down about 50 per cent. already?