§ Mr. REMERasked the Food Controller whether he is aware that licensed victuallers are being charged 14s. 4d. per proof gallon extra for spirits and from 5s. to 10s. per barrel extra on beer and stout as the result of the Budget; and whether he will take immediate steps to control the price of beer and spirits as supplied wholesale?
§ Mr. McCURDYThe additional sum being charged to licensed victuallers per proof gallon of spirits is as stated by the hon. Member. The Food Controller has no exact information showing the extra charge per barrel being made on beer and stout. As regards beer, local Committees, consisting of representatives of the brewers and retailers in the districts concerned, are now set up for the purpose of dealing with cases of dispute or grievances arising out of prices charged for beer by brewers to the retail trade, and I have every reason to believe that these Committees will be able to remove any case of hardship which may have arisen. The Food Controller is having a careful watch kept on the situation so far as spirits are concerned.