HC Deb 01 May 1918 vol 105 cc1537-8
49. Sir GEORGE YOUNGER

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that, in addition to the Excise Duty of 50s. per standard barrel of beer, a further surcharge of 25s. per standard barrel has been imposed by the Ministry of Food on munition ale, thus increasing the duty on munition ale to 75s. per standard barrel; what is the amount received from this surcharge on munition ale for the month of April and how has this money been disposed of; and whether Government Departments controlling commodities have the power to surcharge such commodities up to any extent they please without Parliamentary authority or control?

Mr. CLYNES

The maximum barrelage which a brewer for sale is authorised to brew under the Intoxicating Liquor (Output and Delivery) Order, 1917, may be increased, within prescribed limits, by such further amount, if any, as in his case may be authorised by licence of the Food Controller if he complies with tin conditions subject to which such licence is granted. In view of the fact that licences to brew additional beer for munition workers must necessarily be confined to brewers in munition areas, it was decided that these licences should be granted only to brewers who were willing to pay to the Food Controller for the credit of the Exchequer a fee of 25s. per standard barrel in excess of the duty. The payments for the month of April will slightly exceed £80,000. I may add that all the areas are now covered by brewers who are willing to accept this condition.

Sir G. YOUNGER

Under what constitutional authority is this surcharge made?

Mr. CLYNES

I shall require notice of that question. It is quite a new point to me.

Mr. LOUGH

Has this surcharge been made during any part of the financial year ending 31st March, and if so, how much?

Mr. CLYNES

That question also I shall require notice of.

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