40. Captain HUDSONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that an Order has been issued restricting the clearing of wines from warehouse and shipside, from 2nd February to 1st May; and whether, in view of its effect on our growing trade in Empire wines he will consider modifying this Order?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, modifications of the original arrangements have already been made allowing for the recent expansion in the demand for Empire wines.
§ Mr. A. V. ALEXANDERDo we understand that the Order already issued has any connection with the extension of the Empire Preference on wines?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo, not at all.
§ Mr. ALEXANDERThen what is the reason of the Order?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe Order is issued in accordance with numerous precedents, in order to make sure that should it become—which I do not for a moment prejudge—desirable in any way to recast or remodel the duties on wines, the decision shall not be frustrated by wholly exceptional clearances taking place.
§ Mr. SNOWDENHas it not been usual to issue such prohibition only a month before the end of the financial year, and is there any precedent for issuing it three months before?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI cannot say as to the precedents, but I acted on advice that that would be necessary to protect the Revenue in the hypothetical case of any change.