§ 84. Mr. HOGGEasked the Food Controller whether the very large quantities of American and Canadian spirits that are being cleared from bond are being sold to the public as such; if not, what steps he proposes to take to prevent the mixing of these spirits with home spirit and the selling of this mixture to the public as Scotch or Irish Whisky; and whether, if he proposes to take no steps, he is prepared to reconsider the price for such a mixture, seeing that the present prices are based on the price of entire Scotch or Irish blends?
Mr. ROBERTSConsiderable quantities of American and Canadian spirits are being sold as such. The question of preventing the adulteration of Scotch or Irish whisky with American or Canadian spirit is being considered; but it is one of considerable technical difficulty.
§ Mr. HOGGEWhen the right hon. Gentleman says a great deal of Canadian and American whisky is being sold as such, what methods have been adopted by those who are selling to indicate to the public that it is American and Canadian raw spirit and is not Scottish or Irish spirit, which is bonded spirit, and on which a special price has been put by the Food Controller?
Mr. ROBERTSI have had the question under consideration for some time. I am advised that there is no difficulty in distinguishing the American and Canadian supply from Scotch or Irish. I am, however, inquiring into the matter, and hope to be able to make a statement very shortly.
§ Mr. HOGGEWill the right hon. Gentleman put some specimens in the tea room in order that we may appreciate this distinction between American, Canadian, Scotch and Irish?
Mr. ROBERTSI am anxious to secure expert opinion and shall be very glad of the assistance of the hon. Member.
§ Colonel ASHLEYWhat steps are being taken to prevent very immature American spirit being put on the market?
Mr. ROBERTSI think that is part of the same question. It is being fully gone into, and I hope to make a statement.