43. Major MILLSasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider reducing the tax on beer in return for an undertaking by the representatives of the brewery trade to use a larger amount of home-grown barley in the interests of British agriculture?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINWhile I am naturally desirous of affording encouragement to British agriculture, I am afraid that in reviewing the Beer Duty I must be guided primarily by considerations of Revenue.
Major MILLSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware how vitally important it is to farmers with light land that their barley should once more become a paying crop; and does he not think that, If they are not prosperous, he will not get Income Tax from them for the Exchequer?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINIn answer to the first part of the question, that has already been represented to me. In regard to the second part, I may be able to get Income Tax from them, but the question is whether it will be sufficient Income Tax.
§ Mr. HANNONMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether his answer excludes consideration of this question at the appropriate time before the Budget is introduced?