§ 41. Mr. BYRNEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food when additional supplies of spirits will be allowed out of bond in Ireland; and if he is aware that, owing to the Government's action withholding the stock in bond, whisky has been sold by public auction in Dublin for four times its usual price, to the detriment of licensed traders?
§ 67. Mr. G. TERRELLasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he can now state the intentions of the Government in relation to the release of further supplies of spirits from bond; and whether the refusal of the Government to restrict profiteering in whisky is in any way part of a policy to enforce total abstinence among the working classes
§ Mr. CLYNESThe Government have decided not to allow an increase in the amount of spirits to be released from bond. This decision is not part of any policy of enforcing total abstinence from intoxicating liquors. I am aware that during the present shortage the price of whisky has increased.
§ Mr. CLYNESAs stated in the answer, it is not the policy in any way to enforce total abstinence.
§ Mr. CLYNESThat may be deduced from the answer.
§ 66. Mr. TERRELLasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he can give the reasons for the restrictions as to the release of spirits from bond; whether they are in consequence of protests or representations from brewers; and whether there is a fear that the free release of spirits would lead to an increase of consumption of whisky in place of beer?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe object of the restriction is to avoid the risk of transferring consumption from beer to spirits. The output of beer, as the hon. Member is no doubt aware, was restricted in order to secure the more economic use of grain.
§ Mr. TERRELLMay I ask whether these restrictions are in any way due to shortage of spirits, or whether there is an ample supply of spirits in bond for eight or ten years?
§ Mr. CLYNESI understand that there is a considerable quantity in bond, but I think the reply which I have given is a full answer to the point of this question.
§ Mr. TERRELLWill the hon. Gentleman explain what relation the consumption of beer has to that of spirits-people who want spirits may not want beer?
§ Mr. CLYNESI dealt fully with the matter.
Mr. FABERIs it not a very unfortunate result, at any rate, of this policy, that the people should be charged at the rate of £1 per bottle for whisky in the country?