§ Captain W. BENNasked the Food Controller whether, on the 12th June last, he intimated to the secretaries of the Scottish Retail Licence Holders' Association that, as regards the extra charge for ales made by various brewers it is the intention of the Cabinet that the extra duty should be borne by the wholesaler and retailer jointly; whether it is the case that the brewers have continued to pass on the whole duty to the retailers, and in the case of the best ales the brewers are actually 4s. 5d. in pocket; and whether he is prepared to give effect to the intention of the Cabinet to take effect from the date of the intimation?
§ Mr. McCURDYThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I have no precise information as to the matters referred to in the second part. Joint committees, consisting of wholesalers and retailers, have been set up In England and Wales for the purpose of settling any disputes that may arise as to the incidence of the increased duty. 2431W This method of adjustment has worked satisfactorily, and it is hoped to effect a similar arrangement in Scotland with equally satisfactory results.