Sir J. D. REESasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether the provisions of the Amended Beer Order of 1st March, 1920, which apply to sales of beer in bottle, are regarded by those who have to carry them out as impracticable and unworkable; and whether he will cause this Order to be reconsidered?
§ Mr. McCURDYI have been asked to reply. I am aware that certain traders have expressed the opinion quoted by the hon. Baronet, but I am unable to agree that difficulty will be caused by the Order referred to, which provides that the maximum price for beer in bottles for other than imperial size shall be in proportion to that permitted for bottles containing full imperial measure. The only question which arises is that of the allowance to be made by each trader for any shortage caused by the fact that his bottles are not of imperial size, and, in view of the fact that the Order is designed for the protection of the public against short measure, I am not prepared to accept the suggestion that it should be reconsidered.