HC Deb 07 December 1920 vol 135 cc1918-9
77. Lieut.-Colonel POWNALL

asked the Minister of Food whether he will now take off the control on the price of whisky; and, if not, whether he will say who will be responsible for this control when his office is abolished at an early date?

Lieut.-Colonel Sir J. GILMOUR

The removal of maximum prices on whisky is not at present contemplated. The Ministry of Food (Continuance) Act makes due provision for the contingency contemplated by my hon. and gallant Friend.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Is the reason for control being kept on and the scarcity of whisky due to the enormous exports to America, owing to America having gone dry?

Viscountess ASTOR

Seeing the enormous increase in drunkenness which has occurred even since some of the slight control we had has been taken away, will they consider very seriously before they release any more whisky?

Mr. MACQUISTEN

It is a question of control of price, and not of quantity.