HC Deb 18 April 1972 vol 835 cc219-20
23. Mr. Harper

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he can now state what was the average gravity of beer in 1971.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

The average gravity of all beer brewed in the United Kingdom in 1971 was 1036.70 degrees.

Mr. Harper

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that when that reply is compared with the reply which I received on 18th January of this year it is misleading, to say the least? Is he aware that the breweries are becoming monopolistic and that the public are aware that they are being taken for a ride, not for a short time but for all the time? Will he therefore accept that the public are not getting value for money and take some action, because if he does not—[Hon. Members: "Too long."]—everyone will say that the generous contributions of the brewers to the Tory Party are preventing the Government from doing so?

Mr. Stodart

On 18th January 1 informed the hon. Gentleman that the average gravity of all beer brewed in 1970 was 1,036.66 degrees. The move in 1971 is insignificant, but it is at least upwards.

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