§ MR. HADDOCK (Lancashire, North Lonsdale)To ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the amount per proof gallon that imported plain spirit contains of amylic alcohol (fusel oil); whether he is aware that this spirit never matures, and is said to be sold, coloured and flavoured, to represent brandy, rum, and British distillations; and, if so, whether His Majesty's Government will take any steps, by legislation, to prevent this.
(Answered by Mr. Runciman.) The Board of Customs inform me that imported plain spirits are not examined with reference to the amount of fusel oil that may be present and that they have no information on the subject. They have no knowledge of such spirits being sold, coloured, and flavoured to represent brandy, rum, and British distillations subsequent to delivery out of official custody.