§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps, if any, have been taken in the interests of the consumer to ensure that the lowering of gravities by the brewing industry does not result in a reduction in the quality of the product.
§ Mr. StrangFigures published in the 66th Report of the Commissioners of Customs and Excise show that the average gravity of beer produced in the United Kingdom is not declining. I am advised that there is not necessarily any direct relationship between the original gravity of a beer and its quality. The Food Standards Committee is carrying out a full review of the composition and label-ling of beer. During its review the committee is considering whether additional controls should be recommended.