§ MR. H. S. NORTHCOTEasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, If he has considered the probability that the proposed increase of the Spirit Duties will lead to the increased consumption of newly distilled spirit of a quality likely to be deleterious to the health of the consumer; and, if he can see his way to propose such a graduated increase on spirits as will favour the consumption of those over twelve months in bond?
§ MR. HIBBERTThis is a point which has already been considered. Experience shows that a larger portion of matured whisky is consumed now than previous to 1860, in spite of the increase of duties; and looking to the present facilities for bonding, and the probable improvement in the consumer's taste, there seems no reason to fear that this increased proportion will not be maintained. The suggested sliding scale is considered by the Revenue Authorities to be impracticable. Apart from the action of the consumers, the only feasible way of securing what we all desire—a check on the consumption of new and unwholesome spirits—seems to be that all spirits should be required to be kept in bond for the period of at least a year. This is hardly a Revenue question; but I may observe that the adoption of such a plan would throw a very heavy burden on the several branches of the spirit trade, who would doubtless have a good deal to say on the subject.