HC Deb 11 July 1973 vol 859 c380W
Mr. Heffer

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to safeguard the future of the lager industry on Merseyside and elsewhere in Great Britain.

Mrs. Fenner

Lager sales in the United Kingdom have increased from 1 per cent. of the total beer market in 1959 to over 9 per cent. in 1972, and at least 75 per cent. of the lager sold in 1972 was home-produced. The increase in demand has led to the establishment of new production units and extensions to many existing breweries. In the circumstances, there seems no need for Government action. I know of no special problems on lager production in the Merseyside area.