81. Colonel THORNEasked the Food Controller if he is aware that, under the 21 Regulations for duty-paid goods only, i.e., spirit upon which duty is paid at the time of purchase, large merchants purchase the greater portion of their stock in bond and pay duty when the same is required for use; if he is aware that, prior to the issuing of amended Regulations controlling the price of spirits bought in bond, spirits were plentiful at the high price then asked, but since the price became controlled the distillers are holding on to their goods and the merchants cannot force their hands under present Regulations; and if he intends taking action in the matter?
§ Mr. MCCURDYThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the latter part, the Food Controller is aware that prior to the issue of the Order fixing maximum prices whisky changed hands at speculative figures; but he has no information to show that distillers are not now releasing any stocks in their possession.
Colonel THORNEIs the hon. Gentleman aware that wine and spirit merchants are compelled to supply their customers with 50 per cent. of their 1916 consumption, and that there is nothing to make the distillers and blenders supply the wine merchants with that quantity, and will he take some action in the matter?
§ Mr. MCCURDYI will inquire.