§ 54. Mr. ALDENasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the inflated profits of the breweries and the liquor trade generally, during the last year, owing to the permission to increase the price of intoxicating liquors; and what action he proposes to take?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am aware that high profits have been recently made in this trade, but the hon. Member will recall that increased profits of trades and businesses are subject to Excess Profits Duty at the rate of 80 per cent.
§ Mr. ALDENAs these people are in the special position of monopolists, and not ordinary traders, ought they not to be taxed more?
§ Mr. PRINGLEIn view of the fact that this is the worst of the three enemies we are fighting, is this trade to be allowed to carry away the loot?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWAs I have stated, the Government have had a very large share of it.
§ Mr. L. JONESWill the right hon. Gentleman issue a statement showing the amount of the excess profits of brewers and distillers in the last three years?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI think it is impossible to make a calculation of the amount of profit.
Mr. CHANCELLORIs it the intention next year to make a present of £1,000,000 to this trade, as was done last year?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIf I am Chancellor of the Exchequer I shall not make a present of £1,000,000 to anybody.
§ Mr. P. A. HARRISIs there any particular reason why the same treatment should not be given to this trade to the excess profits as in the case of the shipowners?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThat is too complicated. I have given an answer.
§ Mr. PRINGLEWill the right hon. Gentleman not place the profits of the brewers in the same position as the profits earned by ships, which he regarded as disgraceful?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWNo; what I said was disgraceful was that the Government should have allowed those profits to be made.
§ Mr. PRINGLEYou said your own profits were disgraceful.