§ Mr. PATRICK WHITEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the revenue derived from spirits taken out of bond for the three months since the introduction of the Budget is in round figures about half what it was for the corresponding period of last year; whether, if the quantity taken out of bond for the remaining nine months of the year is one-fifth less than it was for the corresponding months of last year, it will nullify the effect on revenue of the increased duty; and whether, having regard to the new duty being likely to prove non-productive, he will abandon it?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe revenue received from spirits in May, June and July, 1909, has been, as stated, about half what was received in the corresponding period of 1908. On the assumption of the hon. Member that the quantity cleared during the remaining eight months of the financial year 1909–10 will be less by one-fifth than in the corresponding period of 1908–9, the total receipts for the year will be more than my right hon. Friend anticipated in making his Budget statement, or, in other words, the increased duty will prove more productive than he then expected.