§ 62. Mr. T. JOHNSTONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that there is a bonus allowance from public funds of 3d. per proof gallon of exported spirits; what is the estimated annual cost of the excise supervision and administration of this bonus; what the bonus amounted to during the last financial year; if the exporters to Canada and the United States of America share in the bonuses; and how they supply evidence of landing at foreign destinations?
§ Mr. SNOWDENI am aware that an allowance of 3d. per proof gallon is paid on British plain spirits exported, the allowance being made as compensation for the enhanced cost of manufacture due to Revenue restrictions. The control and payment of this allowance forms a very minor part of the work of the Customs and Excise Department. No estimate of its cost can be given, but it must he negligible. The total amount paid during the financial year ended 31st March, 1923, was £63,428. The allowance is payable by law in respect of all exported home-made spirits on an official certificate of due shipment of the spirits, and evidence of landing abroad is not required unless there is suspicion that the spirits have, in fact, not been exported.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONMay I ask if this bonus to whisky exporters, which amounted last year to £63,000, has been paid since the year 1860?
§ Mr. SNOWDENYes.