§ Mr. Bishopasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of the fact that certain brewers, whose name has been supplied to him by the hon. Member for Newark, have announced that the public bar prices of three of their draught beers will be increased by up to twopence per pint, he is satisfied that there will not be a general price increase throughout the brewing industry, in view of their undertaking; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PriorThe assurance that there would be no general increase in beer prices was given in September when, in the light of cost increases, the industry was released from its undertaking not to increase public bar beer prices in the twelve months from the end of November 1969, and was related to the remainder of that period. The nature and extent of price changes are now a matter for the commercial judgment of the industry. The leading brewers are however keeping me informed and I understand the present increases are due to substantial increases in costs, including wages and the price of malting barley.