§ 92. Mr. CAUTLEYasked the Food Controller what becomes of the difference between 9s., the present price, and 3s. 6d., the pre-war price, of a bottle of whisky; and whether he can arrange that some portion of this difference be in the future transferred to the consumer's pocket?
Mr. ROBERTSI am advised that the difference in question is in many instances absorbed by the following items; interest to manufacturers payable from date of manufacture to date of sale; insurance and rent over the same period; increased price of bottles, corks, packing cases, etc.; increased charges for labour, establishment and distribution; margins of profit to manufacturers, blenders, bottlers, merchants and other traders; and increase in taxation. The question of the extent, if any, to which these items can be reduced is now under review; but I am afraid that it is very doubtful whether any decrease in the price of whisky will be possible for the present.
§ Mr. REMERDo the charges to which the right hon. Gentleman has referred amount to 6s. 6d. per bottle?
§ Mr. CLYNESCan my right hon. Friend state what is meant by the words in his reply "in many instances"? Are we to take it that the terms of the answer here a general application?
Mr. ROBERTSWell, the whole subject is under review, and I am unable to commit myself as to whether the words have a general application.