§ 92. Mr. Laversasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that the 15 per cent. cut in malting barley for the brewers has resulted in a 50 per cent. cut in beer for the consumers and that great discontent has been caused in consequence amongst the workers, particularly in the heavy industries; whether he is aware that in some cases the brewers made their 50 per cent. cut even before the 15 per cent. cut in malting barley was announced; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent brewers making such cuts.
378W
§ Dr. SummerskillMy right hon. Friend is not aware that the recent reduction which had to be made in the supply of barley for brewing has resulted in a cut of 50 per cent. in the amount of beer being sold. There may be local variations in the incidence of the cut but my right hon. Friend is confident that brewers are doing all they possibly can to distribute their beer fairly.