§ 40. Miss Boothroydasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection whether, in addition to the current investigation by the Prices Commission of the prices and profit margins of the major breweries, he will refer to the Commission the increase recently proprosed by the brewers; when he expects the Commission to report on this matter; and whether he will make a statement.
§ 41. Mr. Croninasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protecton 6W if he will take immediate steps to refer to the Price Commission, at present considering brewers' prices and profit margins, the current proposals for an increase in the price of beer.
§ Mr. MaclennanThe current round of price increases by the major brewers has already been scrutinised by the Price Commission to make sure that they con-from to the Price Code. The Commission has shown itself willing and able to but back proposed price increases which are not in line with the code, but I understand that in these cases it has found no grounds for objecting. We hope to receive very shortly the Commission's report on the brewing industry and we shall consider the need for further action in the light of that report.