HC Deb 10 December 1928 vol 223 c1678
19. Mr. HANNON

asked the Secretary of state for Dominion Affairs whether his attention has been called to the fact that during the financial year 1927–28 only 2,000 gallons of brandy were imported from Imperial sources in contrast with 580,000 gallons from foreign countries; if any action is being taken, in co-operation with the Governments of Australia and South Africa, to promote the sale of brandy from these Dominions in Great Britain; and if the Empire Marketing Board has taken steps to call attention in particular, to the high quality of brandy produced in the province of the Cape of Good Hope?

Mr. AMERY

I am aware of the figures quoted, but would point out that the figure of 2,000 gallons does not include the considerable supplies forthcoming from Palestine. The Empire Marketing Board have drawn attention, on suitable opportunities, to the fact that brandy of good quality from several parts of the Empire, including South Africa, is now obtainable in place of brandy from foreign sources.

Mr. HANNON

May I ask whether, in fact, the Empire Marketing Board has done anything to promote the sale of brandy?

Mr. AMERY

I may point out that the object of the Empire Marketing Board is not Po push the sale of particular articles, but to familiarise the public in this country with the idea of buying Empire goods rather than buying foreign goods.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is it a fact that no Empire brandy is obtainable in the leading hotel of Birmingham?