§ 97. Mr. Mitchisonasked the Under-Secretary of State for India what arrangements are made for the supply of British beer in messes and canteens for R.A.F. personnel in the province of Bombay; what is the reason for the recent increase in the price of such beer, what is the sterling equivalent of the present price 190W of one pint of bottled; and what steps he proposes to take to reduce the price.
§ Mr. A. HendersonResponsibility for the supply of British beer to messes and canteens of the Royal Air Force in Bombay rests with the Indian Canteens Department. The recent increase in its price is due to an additional excise duty imposed by the Government of Bombay. The matter has been taken up with the Provincial Government by the local military commander, who has been successful iii obtaining reduction of the new additional duty. The present price of one pint of bottled beer is Re. 1 pies 6, or 1s. 6½d.