§ 107. Mr. HOGGEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the advisability of making it illegal to retail any spirits under thirty-three under proof instead of twenty-five as at present; and whether he will consider the advisability of enforcing, as in patent medicines, 1328 a Stamp Duty of 1s. per reputed bottle and 6d. per reputed pint on all medicated wines?
§ Mr. MONTAGUAs regards the first part of the question, I may point out that it is not illegal to sell spirits below a particular strength. All that the law provides is that this must not be done to the prejudice of the purchaser, i.e., without proper notice. As regards the second part of the question, I would point out that the whole question of patent medicines (including medicated wines) has recently been reported on by a Select Committee, and my right hon. Friend cannot undertake to consider my hon. Friend's suggestion apart from the general questions raised in their Report.