HC Deb 13 June 1890 vol 345 cc858-9
MR. T. M. HEALF (Longford, N.)

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the Committee on Bonding and Blending Whisky will be appointed?

MR. GOSCHEN

I have been considering the terms of the Reference to be made to this Committee, and, without pledging myself to the exact language, I may say that the terms will be generally as follows:— That a Committee be appointed to consider the question whether, on grounds of public health, it is desirable that certain classes of spirits, British and foreign, should be kept in bond for a definite period of time before they pass into consumption, and to inquire into the system of blending British and foreign spirits in or out of bond, and as to the propriety of applying the Sale of Foods and Drugs Act and the Merchandise Marks Act to foreign spirits and mixtures of British and foreign spirits. I may also add that the right hon. Gentleman the Member for South Leeds, whose scientific and economical attainments particularly qualify him for pre siding over such an inquiry, has consented to take the place of Chairman, if this should be the will of the Committee.

MR. T. M. HEALY

The terms of the Reference are exceedingly satisfactory.