Major BARNESasked the Home Secretary if he is satisfied that the cost of production of beer under the State scheme at Carlisle justifies the prices at which it is retailed; if not, whether he will inquire what the profit per bulk barrel sold is; and, if it should prove excessive., will he give instructions that the retail prices should be lowered in the Carlisle area so as to yield only a reasonable profit and assist to bring about a general reduction throughout the country?
§ Mr. SHORTTI am satisfied that the prices at which beer is retailed under the State scheme at Carlisle are justified under existing conditions. The second and third paragraphs of the question, therefore, do not arise.