HC Deb 08 June 1971 vol 818 c852
20. Mr. William Price

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the effect on the price of beer of extending licensing hours.

Mr. Prior

The question of licensing hours is within the field of inquiry of the Erroll Committee, which will no doubt have in mind the economic implications of any change it may recommend.

Mr. Price

Will the right hon. Gentleman have a word with the Home Secretary over his hare-brained determination to inflict upon us some form of Continental licensing hours? Will he explain to the Home Secretary that if licensees are to meet all the additional overheads involved in drinking through the night with probably no additional revenue at the end of the week, then the price of beer may well rise by up to 5p a pint?

Mr. Prior

No doubt the Home Secretary will read what the hon. Gentleman has said.