§ 11. Mr. KINGasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in reference to the proposal to relieve hospitals from the payment of duty on alcohol used medicinally, he has consulted authorities on the temperance question as to the possible dangers of an increased use of tinctures and other forms of alcohol which must ensue if the cost of such medicines is substantially reduced?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. McKenna)I have not thought it necessary to take this step, as I have no reason to suppose that the grant of the concession will lead to abuse. The effect of the proposal would be not to relieve hospitals from the payment of duty on all spirits used medicinally—e.g., brandy—but only to exempt spirits used in the preparation of tinctures and other articles to be used for medical purposes.
§ Mr. KINGDid not the right hon. Gentleman listen to the Debate, in which suggestions of that kind were very freely advanced; and will he, in order to prevent discussions and Divisions on the Report stage of the Finance Bill, try and consult some temperance authority?
§ Mr. McKENNAMy hon. Friend the Member for the Oswestry Division (Mr. Bridgeman), who has that particular Amendment in hand, is consulting various persons.