§ 56. Mr. James Hudsonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the annual profits of the brewers for accounting years 1938–39 to 1948–49, inclusive, and, if available, for any subsequent period.
§ The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Douglas Jay)As the answer is lengthy and includes a table of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. HudsonWill the hon. Gentleman say whether there is any indication of a continued rise in these profits?
§ Mr. JayMy hon. Friend will be relieved to know that in the latest year profits have been going down.
§ Following is the table:
§ The following table gives the profits of the brewers for accounting years ending in the Income Tax years 1938–39 to 1948–49 as revised in accordance with the latest information. Figures for 1949–50 are not yet available. The profits are after allowance for wear and tear of plant and machinery, and after deducting National Defence Contribution, Excess Profits Tax and Profits Tax payable. The figures include profits arising from trade ancillary to the main business.
| Year | Profits | |||
| (£ Millions) | ||||
| 1938–39 | … | … | … | 25.5 |
| 1939–40 | … | … | … | 28.5 |
| 1940–41 | … | … | … | 29.5 |
| 1941–42 | … | … | … | 33 |
| 1942–43 | … | … | … | 35 |
| 1943–44 | … | … | … | 38 |
| 1944–45 | … | … | … | 40.5 |
| 1945–46 | … | … | … | 42.5 |
| 1946–47 | … | … | … | 47.5 |
| 1947–48 | … | … | … | 48.5 |
| 1948–49 | … | … | … | 44 |