§ The PRIME MINISTERI propose to make a statement on the business of the House later on.
§ 92 and 93. Mr. SITCHasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what amount of excess profit was paid by various branches of the liquor trade in the last financial year before the reduction of the Excess Profits Tax from 80 per cent, to 40 per cent.; if the figures are not available if he will obtain them;
(2) the approximate profits of the various branches of the liquor trade during the last financial year compared with their profits during the last year before the War; and if the figures are not available if he will obtain them?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Chamberlain)I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him on the 29th October last by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury. For the reasons given in that answer, I am unable to undertake to obtain the information which he desires.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENWill the right hon. Gentleman also ascertain why it is that the producers of beer and whisky, in spite of the Excess Profits Tax, have all been so enormously enriched, and whether that is due to the Liquor Control Board Regulations; and if he will abolish those Regulations so as to prevent incomes increasing?