§ Mr. CHARLES BATHURSTasked whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that the yield of Stamp Duty in respect of patent medicines during the year ended the 31st March last was £325,646, which was an increase of £12,532 on the receipts from this source for the previous year; and whether, in view of the present consumption by poor persons of worthless concoctions of this description possessing no curative properties, he will, without further delay, introduce legislation dealing with the matter.
§ Mr. McKENNAI agree with the view of my predecessor, as stated in reply to a question on 26th June last, that the subject of the conditions of the sale of patent medicines might usefully be considered by a Select Committee next Session. I do not understand the hon. Member to suggest that all patent medicines are worthless concoctions.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTWould the right hon. Gentleman consider it advisable in the meantime to issue regulations rendering it compulsory to state upon the labels of bottles containing these medicines what they contain and what diseases they are supposed to cure?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe latter information is, I think, already sufficiently stated on the bottle. That is one of the very topics that will be considered by the Committee.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTWhen does the right hon. Gentleman propose to appoint this Select Committee?
§ Mr. McKENNANext Session?
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTNot till then?
§ Mr. McKENNANo, Sir.