§ 1. "That, in addition to the duties of Customs now payable on spirits imported into Great Britain or Ireland, there shall, on and after the thirtieth day of April, nineteen hundred and fifteen, be charged the following duties (that is to say):—
| £ | s. | d. | |
| For every gallon computed at proof of spirits of any description except perfumed spirits | 0 | 14 | 9 |
| For every gallon of perfumed spirits | 1 | 3 | 7 |
| £ | s. | d. | |
| For every gallon of liqueurs, cordials, mixtures, and other preparations entered in such a manner as to indicate that the strength is not to be tested | 1 | 0 | 0 |
§ And it is declared that it is expedient in the public interest that this Resolution shall have statutory effect under the provisions of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act, 1913."
§ Sir J. SIMONI beg to move, "That this House doth disagree with the Resolution which is now reported."
This Resolution, and that which follows it on the Paper, relate to the extra 14s. 9d. duty, which was part of the original scheme for taxation of spirits. The Bill which this House has just read for the third time will be brought a further stage forthwith in another place, and we desire at once to get the small duties of 1s. and 1s. 6d. imposed by the Resolution in Committee of Ways and Means In order to clear the way for that, I think that the proper course is to move that the House doth disagree with the Resolution now reported. Then we shall be able, in the Committee of Ways and Means, to impose the new duties.
§ Mr. BOOTHI understood that part of this plan was to allow the sale of spirits at a greater dilution. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, in introducing these duties, mentioned that as an integral part of his plan. The duties are now being abandoned, and I would like to ask whether that part of the scheme, allowing spirits to be sold at a greater dilution, is also withdrawn?
§ Question, "That this House doth agree with the Committee in the said Resolution" put, and negatived.
§ Resolution reported,