HC Deb 11 November 1908 vol 196 c268
MR. CHARLES ROBERTS (Lincoln)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can give any in formation as to the new imposts to be levied in Germany on alcoholic liquors; and whether he can state the total amount of new revenue which is thus proposed to be raised.

MR. MCKINNON WOOD

We have received from His Majesty's Embassy a copy of the proposals which the German Government have made public, and intend to submit to the Reichstag, providing for an increase in the duties on alcoholic liquors. According to these proposals, the German Government expect to obtain £5,000,000 from the tax on spirits, £5,000,000 from the tax on beer, and £1,000,000 from that on still wine in bottles.

DR. RUTHERFORD (Middlesex, Brentford)

Does the hon. Gentleman mean pounds sterling or marks?

MR. MCKINNON WOOD

Pounds sterling.

MR. REES

In view of the prevalence of taxation in this country, can nothing be done to keep down the taxation on Moselle?

[No Answer was returned.]