HC Deb 13 September 1909 vol 10 c1727
Mr. FELL

asked what was the Customs duty on a gallon of Hamburg sherry containing less than 30 per cent. of proof spirit?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

The Customs duty on all wine containing not more than 30 per cent. of proof spirit is 1s. 3d. per gallon if imported in cask. An additional 1s. per gallon is leviable if imported in bottles.

Mr. FELL

May I ask whether, as no countervailing Customs duty has been placed upon it, this is not the cheapest spirit that can now be obtained in the market?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

To answer that question would involve considerable research. I could not say off-hand.

Mr. YOUNGER

Does the reply mean that this spirit comes in at 4s. 3d. per proof gallon, a difference of 10s. 6d. as compared with other spirits?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

I have not made the calculation.