HC Deb 16 July 1924 vol 176 cc364-5
46. Mr. AYLES

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now state what steps the Government have taken to stop the trans-shipment of whiskey from this country to the United States of America, in accordance with his recent promise?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. J. Ramsay MacDonald)

As I informed the hon. and gallant Member for Maidstone (Commander Bellairs) on 16th June, this matter is receiving consideration by the Departments concerned. I am not at present in a position to add anything to that statement. I would, however, remind my hon. Friend that the extent of my undertaking was that I would consult my colleagues to see whether anything could be done in this matter. This is being done.

Mr. AYLES

Is the right hon. Gentleman also considering the question of the trans-shipment of whiskey to America via Hamburg and Antwerp?

The PRIME MINISTER

Obviously, that is not my job. All I can do is to transmit my desire that the matter should be very carefully considered by the Departments concerned.

Viscountess ASTOR

Could not the right hon. Gentleman ask the help of Lord Stevenson, who has been so successful at Wembley?

Mr. STURROCK

Would it not be wise to let America look after its own affairs?