§ Mr. MACQUISTENasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that, notwithstanding that it was stated that it was the intention of the Cabinet that the increase of duty upon beer should be borne by all sections of the trade jointly, the Scottish brewers have passed on considerably more than the total increase to the retail liquor sellers, and in August last increased the price by about 10s. per barrel, charging for 5d. ale an increased price of 20s. 8d., and for 6d. ale 28s. ld. per barrel, although the increase in duty upon these ales is only 12s. and 14s. 3d. per barrel, and although the increase in gravity of 4d. has been more than compensated by the removal of the restriction on the quantity allowed to be brewed, the reduction in the Excess Profits Duty by 610W 50 per cent. also benefiting the brewer; whether he is aware that the Scottish brewers have refused to set up any joint committee of brewers and retailers as has been done in England, contenting themselves, when they recently raised the price, with calling together a few leading retailers and telling them that the price was to be raised and declining to discuss the increase decreed; and whether he will take steps to fix an equitable adjustment of the increased duty which will operate retrospectively and for the future?
Mr. ROBERTSI am not aware that the Scottish brewers have passed on to the retailers any undue proportion of the increased duty which has been imposed on beer. It is the case that the, Scottish brewers have not seen their way, although I have repeatedly requested their co-operation, to appoint representatives to a joint committee to consider any cases of hardship which may arise, on similar lines to the committees which have been set up in England and Wales and are working satisfactorily. It is but fair to add that the prices which they charge for their beer are in every case considerably lower than prices charged by English and Welsh brewers for similar beers, while the maximum retail price is the same in each case.