§ Mr. Hoyleasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection when the Price Commission is due to make its report on beer prices; what action he intends to take against companies which have increased their beer prices prior to the Price Commission issuing its report; and what was the level of profits of brewery companies in 1975, 1976 and up to the present date.
§ Mr. MaclennanWe expect to receive the Price Commission's report on beer very shortly. Information about the profits of the brewing industry was given in the report prepared by the Brewing Sector Working Party of the Food and Drink Manufacturing EDC—available from the National Economic Development Office—and further details should be included218W in the Price Commission's report. As I explained in reply to the hon. Members for Coventry, North-East (Mr. Robinson) and Walsall, South (Mr. George) on 21st July, the present powers enabling my right hon. Friend to refer general questions to the Price Commission do not provide for action to hold back proposed price increase pending the Commission's report.
§ Mr. Walter Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if he will refer to the Monopolies Commission the dominant market position of the six largest brewers in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. John FraserThe Monopolies Commission reported in 1969 on the supply of beer for retail sale on licensed premises and the Price Commission will shortly report on prices and margins in the industry. If my hon. Friend has any evidence that the brewers are conducting their affairs in such a way as to prevent, restrict or distort competition, perhaps he would care to write to me.