Major BARNESasked the Home Secretary if his attention has been drawn to the prices at which beer is retailed; and if he will say what is the cost of production per bulk barrel of beer produced under the State scheme at Carlisle, what is the price at which it is charged to the State's retail establishments in Carlisle, and what is the price at which it is retailed to the public in Carlisle?
§ Mr. SHORTTThe price at which beer is retailed to the public outside the limits of the State management districts is a matter over which I have no control. The price for draft ale and beer as retailed to the public in the State-owned premises in the Carlisle district ranges from 6d. to 9d. per pint. I am not prepared to state the price at which the beer is charged to the retailed premises or the cost of production.