§ SIR EDWARD STRACHEY (Somersetshire, S.)To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he is aware that German spirit made from potatoes and roots is imported into this country and sold as Scotch or Irish whisky, and that under the existing methods of supervision any potable spirit, German or otherwise, can be made up and sold as genuine whisky; and that English spirit, made largely from molasses, is shipped from this country to France and returned and sold as brandy; and, if so, whether he will consider the advisability of appointing a Committee of Inquiry into the matter.
§ (Answered by Mr. Ritchie). I am aware that allegations in the sense indicated have been made, but I have no official knowledge that would enable me to confirm or to refute such allegations. The matter was very fully examined by the Select Committee of the House of Commons in 1890, and I doubt whether any advantage would result from a fresh inquiry.