§ Mr. R. YOUNGasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can indicate the amount of profit expected to be made by the brewers under the conditions announced on Wednesday last; and, in view of the profiteering by the brewing companies during and since the War, what precautions are being taken by the Government to ensure that the enhanced profits made under these conditions will be devoted to the improvement of the quality of the liquor as stated?
§ Mr. McCURDYI have been asked to reply. Until it is ascertained that the amount of beer actually sold under the new conditions exceeds the 26,000,000 standard barrels previously authorised, no question of additional profits can arise. The enhanced profits, due to the increases previously authorised, have been partially absorbed by raising the Beer Duty from 50s. to 70s. a standard barrel, and will, in part, be earmarked for the benefit of the consumer by the provisions of the new Beer (Prices and Description) Order, which will ensure an improvement in quality without an increase in price.