§ 44. Mr. WINGasked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has 1706 been called to the increasing export of spirits to neutral countries since 4th August, 1914, and the suggestion of their being smuggled through to the enemy in the interest of the manufacture of munitions, to the disadvantage of our Allies and the Forces of His Majesty at the front; and will he take steps to prevent the exportation of such spirits?
Mr. RUNCIMANI am aware that there was recently evidence of an increase in the export of certain spirits, chiefly rum, to neutral countries contiguous to the enemy, and it was in view of this evidence that the exportation of rum and imitation rum to such countries was prohibited by an Order in Council dated the 28th January. The export of spirits of a strength of not less than 43 degrees above proof has been prohibited to all destinations for a considerable period of time.