HC Deb 19 July 1909 vol 8 cc23-4
Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

asked what was the consumption of spirits in the United Kingdom last year; what the right hon. Gentleman estimated the consumption to be this year; and how much he estimated a tax of 3s. 9d. a gallon on that amount to produce?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

I assume that by "consumption" the hon. Member means the amount of spirits paying duty and retained for home consumption. On this basis the figures are as follows:—

  • 1908–9–38,626,000 gallons, which included forestalling clearances.
  • 1909–10–29,700,000 gallons (estimated).
The additional tax of 3s. 9d. will not, however, be paid upon this latter number of gallons, as a large proportion of the total was cleared in April last at the old rate of duty. My right hon. Friend has estimated the additional revenue obtained by increasing the duty by 3s. 9d. at £1,600,000 for the current year.

Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what proportion of the last figure he has given was collected on the old rate?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

In the figures given there were not only increases of the revenue, but there were decreases of the expected revenue in this year, and the two together account in double degree for the reduction I have pointed out as possible.

Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

Surely the right hon. Gentleman can tell us by now the proportion of spirits in this year which paid duty on the old rates?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

That is not the question on the Paper.

Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

Will the right hon. Gentleman find out?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

I will see whether the figures are available.