§ 51. Mr. M. Philips Priceasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that the increase in quantity and strength of beer which has been promised for the Midlands is causing dissatisfaction in other 972 parts of the country, like the Forest of Dean, where similar promises have not been made and where the supply of beer has been and still is short; and whether he will see to it that the supply of beer is distributed in the country as evenly as possible.
§ Dr. SummerskillNo promises have been made that there will be an alteration in the strength or quantity of beer available in any particular area. I am satisfied the brewers do their best to spread supplies of beer as evenly as possible. So soon as additional raw materials are available my right hon. Friend will consider how they can best be used to remedy any inequalities.
§ Mr. Somerville HastingsMay I ask my hon. Friend whether there has been any appreciable decrease in absenteeism in the Forest of Dean lately?
§ Dr. SummerskillPerhaps my hon. Friend will ask my hon. Friend the Member for the Forest of Dean (Mr. Philips Price).