asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will seek powers to require the brewing industry to disclose the alcoholic content of its beers; and if he will make a statement.

The issue is not one of powers but whether such regulations would be in the public interest. This has not been established.

How much longer is the Minister going to be so tender towards his friends in the brewing industry?

For as long as they keep contributing to the Tory Party.

Could the hon. Gentleman say what other forms of food and drink are exempt from labelling requirements to tell people what is contained in them?

I should have thought that it was of great importance that labels put on commodities should be accurate, as some beers go on fermenting both in cask and in bottle long after they have been brewed, I would think that it is valueless to put this information on the bottle.

Does my hon. Friend agree that, in addition to technical problems, there are also psychological objections to the proposal?

All I am concerned about is the practicability of this suggestion.