§ MR. BIGGARasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, If he is aware that Excise Officers issuing permits for removal of "Duty paid" unblended spirits in cask, frequently omit to enter on the permits the date on which the spirits were bonded, and whether he will arrange to have this information supplied in future; what mode of supervision exists to ensure the delivery of spirits to consignee within the period specified on the permit, and whether such time is in many cases greatly in excess of that required for consignment; whether the Revenue authorities have any objection to order that the date on which spirits are placed in bond be branded on the casks; and, whether, in the case of spirits blended in bond, they will have the casks containing same legibly endorsed with the word "Blended," and so described on the removal permits?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. CHILDERS)In reply to the first Question of the hon. Member, I have to say that it is not necessary for the date on which the spirits were bonded to be entered on the permits. In reply to the second Question, the rule is that when the time limited in the permit is exceeded, the spirits are detained until an explanation of the delay is furnished. It is, however, necessary to leave the matter in some cases to the discretion of the local officer, who knows the mode of conveyance intended to be used. I see no reason for adopting the suggestion made in the third Question. The suggestion in the fourth Question is already the rule, so far as the casks are concerned; but there seems no reason to alter the form of the permits, as suggested.