HC Deb 20 December 1933 vol 284 cc1303-5
68. Dr. SALTER

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that so-called flavouring essences which are being sold by Messrs. Wool-worth have been analysed by four independent chemists and found to contain in some cases 86 per cent. to 90 per cent. of ethyl alcohol, in others SO per cent. of iso-propyl alcohol, in others 20 per cent. of normal propyl alcohol, and in others 20 per cent to 40 per cent. of fusel oil and higher alcohol; that iso-propyl alcohol is two and a-half times as intoxicating as ethyl alcohol; that normal propyl alcohol is still more intoxicating, and that fusel oil is a deadly poison; whether he is satisfied that the Iso-propyl Alcohol Regulations, 1927, which require returns from manufacturers, vendors, and users of iso-propyl alcohol to the customs and excise authorities, showing the quantity manufactured, used, or sold, together with the names of the purchasers and the purposes for which the alcohol has been used, have been complied with by Messrs. Woolworth; and whether an excise licence in respect of the sale of ethyl alcohol has been taken out by the firm?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

With regard to the first part of the question, I have seen a Press report to the effect stated by the hon. Member. Further samples of these essences have been analysed by the Government Chemist; no sample contained 86 to 90 per cent. of ethyl alcohol, but two samples of "rum essence" were composed of about 33 parts each of ethyl alcohol, iso-propyl alcohol, and flavouring containing fusel oil. I may say that fusel oil contains normal-propyl alcohol, butyl alcohol and amyl alcohol. Ethyl alcohol was not found in any "Brandy essence"; and in the great majority of the rum, and all the brandy, essences examined iso-propyl alcohol is the solvent, being present to the extent of about 70 per cent.

With regard to the second part of the question, I am unable to accept the statements made by the hon. Member, and I understand that there is no reason to apprehend any danger of toxication or intoxication from the presence of the substances mentioned in flavouring essences.

With regard to the third part of the question, the Iso-propyl Alcohol Regulations do not apply to Messrs. Woolworth, who sell, not iso-propyl alcohol, but articles manufactured with iso-propyl alcohol. With regard to the fourth part, an Excise licence is not required for the sale of flavouring essences.

Dr. SALTER

May I ask the hon. Gentleman if he will pursue active inquiries as to whether a colossal fraud on the revenue has not been perpetrated in this case; whether he is aware that when publicity was given to the case the whole stock of so-called essences, which were made with denatured ethyl alcohol, was then withdrawn, and new stock issued made with iso-propyl alcohol; and whether he is further aware that his own Department informed the perfumery section of the London Chamber of Commerce a month ago that they suspected that something of this sort was going on, and that they thereupon forbade the issue of any further denatured ethyl alcohol for the manufacture of perfumes, and their officers specifically stated—

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I am not aware of any of the facts stated by the hon. Gentleman. All I am aware of is that these essences are undrinkable and that none of them has the exhilarating qualities which spirit drinkers consider essential.

Dr. SALTER

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that they are being sold openly for the manufacture of cocktails at the present time?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

No. Sir.

Sir NAIRNE STEWART SANDEMAN

Is the hon. Gentleman not giving these essences the very best advertisement they could possibly get?