HC Deb 06 May 1909 vol 4 cc1201-2
Mr. PATRICK WHITE

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total quantity of whisky and other spirits, which will be affected by the proposed increased duty, consumed in Ireland for each of the past three years, calculated from the permits submitted to Excise officials on their periodic visits to licensed traders?

Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE

I think the hon. Member asked that this question should be postponed until I had time to get the information.

Mr. WHITE

I was asked to put the question down for to-day.

Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE

I am sorry. I have asked for the information.

Mr. PATRICK WHITE

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the quantity of foreign whisky and other spirits imported into Ireland for the past three years?

Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE

I am causing a Statement showing the various descriptions of spirits imported into Ireland from abroad to be printed with the Votes. Any foreign whisky that may have been brought to Ireland would be included in the heading "Spirits: Unenumerated, not Sweetened," but is not separately recorded in the official accounts. [Seel Written Answers this date.]

Mr. PATRICK WHITE

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information as to the amount received in Belfast?

Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE

I have no information on that point. I think that is a question which should be addressed to the President of the Board of Trade.

Mr. PATRICK WHITE

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many distilleries are at present working in Ireland; what has been their total average annual output for the past five years; and what would be the produce of a duty of 3s. 9d. per gallon calculated on the average annual output?

Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE

There are 26 distilleries working in Ireland. The average annual output for the past five years amounted to 12,287,638 gallons, proof. Supposing the average annual output to remain the same, the duty at 3s. 9d. per gallon would amount to £2,303,932. The hon. Member is, of course, aware that the amount of spirit produced in Irish distilleries and the amount of spirit consumed in Ireland are two very different things.

Mr. PATRICK WHITE

Can the right hon. Gentleman state the total on whisky, whether consumed in Ireland or not?

Mr. J. J. MOONEY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the amount consumed in Ireland has practically remained the same for the last four years?

Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE

I would not like to answer those questions, which raise matters of figures, without inquiry.