§ 32. Dr. SALTERasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that at Messrs. Woolworth's stores in different towns throughout the country bottles of rum, brandy, and other flavouring essences, intended for human consumption, are being sold to the general public over the counter; that each bottle contains 10 cubic centimetres, or one-third of an ounce, of a so-called flavouring agent; that this agent is composed of 90 per cent, of ethyl alcohol; that the bottles can be obtained by any customer in unlimited quantities; and if he is satisfied that an Excise licence for the sale of intoxicating liquor is taken out in all these cases?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Hore-Belisha)I am aware that certain flavouring essences are on sale to the public by the firm mentioned, and that the volume of the contents of the bottles is approximately as stated in the second part of the question. I am informed, however, that analysis shows that these essences do not contain any ethyl alcohol. The question of an Excise licence for their sale therefore does not arise.
§ Dr. SALTERIs the Financial Secretary aware that certificates of certified analysts have been published in the Press saying that they do contain 90 per cent, of ethyl alcohol as well as other essences?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI do not know who the analysts are to whom the hon. Gentleman refers, but we have had an analysis made in the Government laboratory, and these essences contain only iso-propyl alcohol. The hon. Gentleman will be consoled to know that iso-propyl alcohol is deficient in intoxicating properties.
§ Dr. SALTERI am not prepared to accept the accuracy of the hon. Gentleman's statement.