asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state whether, in view of the reduction in the price of malting barley from 84/- per barrel to 63/9 per barrel, which represents 1d. per pint of stout, the consumers of stout and porter may expect to receive the benefit of this reduction.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Malting Barley.
I am informed that the price paid for malting barley of the 1953 crop was 66/9 per barrel delivered. The price of barley is only one of the factors concerned and there is no prospect of a reduction in the price of intoxicating liquor by reason only of the reduction in the price of barley.
Is the Minister aware that one of the brewing firms concerned increased its gross profit from £5,242,000 in 1952 to £5,681,000 last year, an increase of over £400,000? In these circumstances, would the Minister not think that the reduced price which is being paid for barley should be passed on to the consumer?
In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I propose, with your permission, Sir, to raise this matter on the Adjournment.