HC Deb 29 June 1948 vol 452 cc2003-4
53. Mr. James Hudson

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the beer production of the 21 largest brewery concerns in the United Kingdom during the last period for which the figures are available.

Sir S. Cripps

7,938,000 standard barrels (11,666,000 bulk barrels) during the year ended 31st March, 1948.

Mr. Hudson

Does this represent an increase on similar recent periods?

Sir S. Cripps

I am afraid that I have not got those figures.

Mr. James Glanville

What steps are being taken to increase the supply of beer?

54. Mr. J. Hudson

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the beer production figures for each of the areas of the United Kingdom during the last period for which figures are available.

Sir S. Cripps

As the answer involves a table of figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Hudson

Do any of these areas, particularly the Midland areas, show anything of those restrictions about which complaint has been made recently?

Sir S. Cripps

The areas into which division is made for the purpose of beer that is brewed are rather different from the areas to which my hon. Friend has referred.

Following is the answer:

BEER PRODUCTION, SEPTEMBER, 1947, SUBDIVIDED BY AREAS.
'000 bulk barrels. '000 standard barrels.
Scotland 272 163
North West 370 204
North East 71 41
Yorkshire 278 161
Midlands (except Burton on-Trent). 615 361
South Wales 84 48
Eastern Counties 130 72
Devon and Cornwall 62 34
South (except London) 274 149
London 473 276
Burton-on-Trent 330 238
Small brewers not allocated to an area. 2 1
2,961 1,748