§ 1. Dr. Gilbertasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will seek powers to require brewers to inform him of all changes that they make in the specific gravity of their beers.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Anthony Stodart)No, Sir.
§ Dr. GilbertIf the hon. Gentleman will persist in supporting the brewers in their contention that it is not the alcoholic content or the specific gravity but rather the taste of the beer that matters, will he at least do something to protect the interests of the beer drinkers in the light of all the closures of small breweries by which the choice of the beer drinkers is being restricted?
§ Mr. StodartThe whole trend is in line with public demand. I believe that it is a fact that today heavy beers are not wanted as they used to be and that there is a big move towards light ales and lager. Unlike the hon. Gentleman and his hon. and right hon. Friends, we do not rejoice in requiring people to do things.
§ Sir G. NabarroIs my hon. Friend aware that the choice of beers is now greater than ever, that the whole of the brewing industry is geared to choice, and that beer drinkers in the Midlands, particularly in the County of Worcester, are delighted with the gravity, the quality and the choice of ales offered to them in that traditional home of all British beers?
§ Mr. StodartOne has only to look at my hon. Friend to know what an authority he must be on this subject.
§ Mr. WellbelovedIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the brewer who is trying to promote a red revolution is supplying his money to the wrong political party? Would the hon. Gentleman advise the brewers to attach a notice to their bottles telling the public that a part of the cost of each pint is going to finance the miserable party at present ruling the country?
§ Mr. StodartThe hon. Gentleman is being guilty of one of the seven deadly sins—envy.