§ Mr. W. O'BRIENMay I ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the Second Reading of the Defence of the Realm Bill to-night, he can inform the House whether any progress has been made in the negotiations respecting the Sur-taxes on whisky and beer?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGESince Tuesday's Debate I have had several interviews with the representatives of the various interests, and I think I can say that some progress has been made. I am not yet in a position to make any announcement to the House, but I hope that some conclusion will be come to within the next twenty-four hours.
§ Mr. O'BRIENIs the right hon. Gentleman alive to the danger that every, day's delay enables enormous profits to be made, and will he not relieve the anxiety in Ireland by telling us whether or not the papers are correctly informed when they state that the Sur-taxes on whisky and beer are dead?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEI am fully alive to the importance of the point raised by the hon. Member, and it is desirable from 1272 every point of view that the suspense should be terminated at the earliest possible moment. I was engaged the whole of yesterday, until very late, discussing the matter and this morning I have been at work again. No time will be lost I can assure the hon. Member. I am very sanguine that there will be an arrangement that will be satisfactory to all the interests concerned. There will be no delay.
§ Mr. BOOTHHas the right hon. Gentleman seen the allied trades as distinct from the brewery trades in this matter?
§ Mr. T. LOUGHWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether the question of French wine also has been mentioned?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGECertainly. I am considering the whole subject. Yesterday I met representatives of the wine interests, not merely the French, but the Australian as well.
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEWho are the allied trades?