HC Deb 01 December 1942 vol 385 c1006
64. Mr. Rhys Davies

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether it is intended to apply concentration to the brewing industry on the lines of the clothing, cotton, boot and shoe, paint and other industries; and, if so, when is this to be done?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Mr. Mabane)

Concentration on the fines indicated by my hon. Friend would not be appropriate to the conditions of this industry, which is however making substantial savings in transport and man-power particularly by schemes of zoning of production and distribution.

Mr. Davies

Is the hon. Member aware that business men have been put out of business entirely by concentration and are feeling very keenly—and they are not teetotallers—that the brewing industry is very much favoured by the Government?

Mr. Mabane

I have no evidence of that.

Viscountess Astor

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that you can hardly get through the streets sometimes for these great brewery drays? Everybody knows, that so far the Government have not done one thing to interfere with the brewing industry. Why not?

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