§ Mr. Bishopasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if it remains his policy to control the price of beer; and if he will refer price increases to the National Board for Prices and Incomes.
§ Mr. Cledwyn HughesI would refer my hon. Friend to the announcement on beer prices which I issued on 30th September and of which I am placing copies in the Library. This explains that, under arrangements which I have made with the Brewers' Society, the standstill on beer prices in the public bar will, with agreed minor exceptions, be continued for a further twelve months and that the brewers will do their utmost to ensure that any increases outside the public bar are kept to a minimum. The price increases so far notified to me come within these arrangements. In the circumstances I see no justification for a reference to the National Board for Prices and Incomes.