§ 87. Lieut.-Colonel POWNALLasked the Food Controller whether he is yet in a position to state the decision of the Cabinet with regard to allowing extra quantities of spirit to be cleared, in view of the increased demand at this period of the year for medicinal and other purposes; and, if he is not yet in a position to make such an announcement, whether he will state when he expects to be able to do so?
§ Mr. McCURDYIf the hon. and gallant Member will repeat this question on Tuesday next, I hope that I shall then be in a position to give a reply.
§ 88. Lieut-Colonel POWNALLasked the Food Controller whether he is aware that the home consumption of rum in 1916, the basic year, was about 3,500,000 gallons, and that only 75 per cent, of this quantity is at present allowed to be cleared, although large quantities of rum were sent to France during the above year for the troops; whether it is the case that on the 31st October the quantity of rum in bond was 13,230,000 gallons, i.e., at the present rate of clearance, about five years' supply; and whether, both in fairness to the West Indian Colonies and to consumers in this country, many of whom were in France during 1916, he will remove the present restrictions on the clearances?
§ Mr. McCURDYThe quantities of rum cleared for home consumption in 1916 and the quantities in bond on 31st October last were as stated by the hon. and gal- 627 lant Member. The percentage, seventy-five, which he mentions, refers, however, to all spirits, not to each kind of spirit separately; so that it is open to any merchant to clear more than 75 per cent, in rum if he clears less in other spirits. As has already been stated, the whole question of permitting increased issues of spirit has been laid before the Cabinet, and I hope that it will be possible to make an announcement on the matter almost immediately.