HC Deb 19 May 1909 vol 5 c398
Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what was the consumption of whisky in the United Kingdom last year; what he 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. LLOYD-GEORGE

I am afraid I cannot give the hon. Member the information for which he asks. Whisky is not shown in the Revenue accounts separately from other British spirits—i.e., spirits manufactured in the United Kingdom.

Mr. FLYNN

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any estimate as to what will be the probable decrease in the consumption owing to the increased duty?

Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE

I am not quite sure. I will see by the time that the spirit tax comes on, whether I shall be able to meet the wishes of the hon. Gentleman.

Mr. FLYNN

On what basis is the £1,600,000 in the table issued in this morning's White Paper based. What is the decreased consumption? There must be some basis.

Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE

I quite agree, and if questions are put to me when the discussion comes on I will do my best to answer them. I cannot do it by question and answer.

Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

Will the right hon. Gentleman give the figures?

Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE

I will see if I can.

Mr. HUGH LEA

In view of the repeated requests made by the whisky distillers year after year, can the right hon. Gentleman see his way in future to give statistics with regard to whisky in bond in every year, distinguishing between that made by pot still and patent?

Mr. SPEAKER

That does not arise out of this question.

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