asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that the difficulties experienced by country traders, especially during the Christmas period, in procuring supplies of Guinness' stout are due to inadequate transport resulting in the slow return of empty casks, and if he will take steps to have transport made available for prompt deliveries in future.

I am satisfied that it would not be in the public interest to divert transport facilities urgently required for the carriage of essential foodstuffs, fuel and beet to the transport of empty casks. The return of empties has been expedited by the public transport companies in so far as may be consistent with their other obligations but some delays from time to time are unavoidable in existing circumstances.