asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the statement that the cost of hops is 254 per cent, above the pre-War price; is he aware that the highest price of any other commodity used in brewing is not more than 84 per cent, above pre-War prices; to what extent this increase is due to the prices being fixed by the Comptroller of Hops appointed by His Majesty's Government; if any appeal can be lodged against these prices; and, if not, will he make an inquiry into the subject?

I have been asked to reply. The reply to the first two parts of the question is in the negative. I am informed that the current average price of English hops is only 110 per cent, above pre-War prices, while present prices of the principal commodities used in brewing, compared with pre-War prices, are much above that figure. The Hop Controller fixes his prices upon ascertained costs of production, and I am satisfied that they have not been unduly high. The answer to the last two parts of the question is in the negative.