§ Mr. SteinbergTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what information he has on the relative retail prices of(a) alcoholic and (b) non-alcoholic beers and lagers; if he has any plans to refer the price differential to the Office of Fair Trading; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ButcherMy Department does not have information on the relative retail price of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beers and lagers. The Director General of Fair Trading referred the supply of beer in the United Kingdom for retail sale on licensed premises to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission on 4 August 1986. The commission is due to submit its report to my right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary of State by 3 August 1988.