§ Mr. PATRICK WHITEasked as to the quantity of spirits taken out of bond in Great Britain and Ireland; and the amount of duty paid in September of last year and corresponding returns for September of this year.
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThis information will not be available until the 8th instant.
§ Mr. PATRICK WHITEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of the reduction in the quantity of spirits taken out of bond in Ireland since the introduction of the Budget this year, to the latest return this month, if the reduced quantity was averaged over every on- and off-licensed house in Ireland; how much per house it would amount at the end of a year, assuming the reduced consumption to continue; and whether, in arranging the schedule of Licence Duty, he will take into account the reduced profit derivable from the sale of spirits?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEComparing the period 1st May to 18th September, 1909, with the period 1st May to 19th September, 1908, the decrease in the quantity of Spirit3 Duty paid in Ireland amounts on an average to 85 gallons for every on- and off-licence to retailers of spirits in Ireland. If the reduced clearances continued at the same rate throughout a complete year of 365 days, the average decrease per licence would be 220 gallons, but the hon. Member must bear in mind that the clearances of 1658 spirits since the Budget to the present time do not represent actual consumption, in consequence of the heavy forestalments in March and April and the reduction which traders have no doubt made in the duty-paid stocks which they ordinarily hold. As regards the last part of the question, my right hon. Friend regrets that he does not see his way to make any further concessions in the proposed Licence Duties beyond those contained in the Amendments which have been placed on the Paper.
§ Mr. T. M. HEALYThen is it of no further use debating the matter in this House?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThat is as the hon. Gentleman pleases.
§ Mr. PATRICK WHITEasked what quantity of spirits was taken out of bond in England, Ireland, and Scotland, respectively, for the months October to May, 1908–9, and the amount of the duty paid in each country?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe approximate quantities of spirit on which duty was paid, and the amount of duty received thereon, in England, Scotland and Ireland, respectively, for the months October to May, 1908–9, were:—
| Quantity. | Duty. | ||
| Proof Gallons. | £ | ||
| England | … | 12,578,000 | 7,058,000 |
| Scotland | … | 9,337,000 | 5,146,000 |
| Ireland | … | 5,483,000 | 3,040,000 |