§ 79. Major Sir KEITH FRASERasked the Minister of Food if he is aware that all the best whiskies are leaving this country on account of whisky being able to be sold for export at 32s. per gallon and only at 16s. 8d. per gallon, in bond, for consumption in the United Kingdom; and, in view of the fact that the new and less wholesome whiskies command in this country the same price as those that are more mature, thanks to the Liquor Control Board Regulations, will he take steps to rectify this evil?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI have no evidence that would confirm the suggestion made in the first part of the question. With regard to the second part, it is quite impracticable to fix a scale of maximum prices on an age basis, since it is impossible by analysis or by any other means to determine the actual age of any spirit as offered to the consumer.
§ Sir K. FRASERMay I send the right hon. Gentleman sufficient evidence in writing to show that the best whiskies are leaving the country, and will he take action?