§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware that the previous increase in beer prices has resulted in profit increases of up to 40 per cent. to many brewery companies; and whether he will refuse the requests of some brewery firms for further increases in the retail price of beer.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartThe profit increases which I have seen reported are not of this order. I would remind the hon. Member that the main reason for the price increase last year, which was accepted by the National Board for Prices and Incomes and the previous Administration, was that brewery companies needed such increases to finance their investment programmes. My right hon. Friend has received no requests from brewers for increases in retail prices.