HC Deb 27 October 1970 vol 805 cc15-6
22. Dr. Gilbert

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take steps to compel brewers to disclose the gravity of their beers; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Stodart

No, Sir.

Dr. Gilbert

Is not the Minister aware that the brewers claim that their products sell on flavour and not on strength and, therefore, there is no reason why this information cannot be disclosed? Even bearing in mind the close relations which the Government clearly have with the brewing industry, could the hon. Gentleman say how much longer beer drinkers have to put up with drinking products the contents of which they are unaware of?

Mr. Stodart

I do not think that this is a matter for legislation; it is a matter for contractual arrangements. There has been very little change in gravity in the last several years. I think that most people would associate gravity with alcoholic strength, but it has nothing to do with it.

Mr. Tom Boardman

Does my hon. Friend realise that gravity has no direct relationship either to the cost of production or, as he has said, to the alcoholic content?

Mr. Stodart

Yes, Sir.