§ Mr. PATRICK WHITEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that quantities of whisky, known as patent-still, are taken out of bond before it has had time to mature; and whether, in the public interest, he will increase the duty on all whisky taken out of bond before it is one year old and reduce by a corresponding amount the duty on pot-still whisky over three years in bond?
The HON. MEMBERalso asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the average age at which spirit known as patent-still whisky is taken out of bond in Ireland; and whether, in the interests of agriculture, he will differentiate in the matter of duty in favour of pot-still whisky, which is made of Irish agricultural products?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI will, with the hon. Member's permission, answer these two questions together. My right hon. Friend is aware that some patent-still whisky is cleared for consumption after being in bond but a short time, but he has no information as to the quantity so cleared or as to the average age at which it is cleared in Ireland. On the questions of policy raised by the hon. Member I can add nothing to the answer given to him by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the 26th ultimo.