HC Deb 01 June 1933 vol 278 cc2195-6

In Sub-section (1) of Section ninety-five of the Spirits Act, 1880, leave out all the words from "paid" to the end of the Subsection.

In Sub-section (2) of Section ninety-five leave out the words "for exportation or for ships' stores, but not for home consumption."

In Sub-section (3) of Section ninety-five, leave out the words "either for exportation or for ship's stores, but not for home consumption."

Leave out Sub-section (4) of Section ninety-five.—[Mr. H. Williams.]

Brought up, and read the First time.

11.23.p.m.

Mr. H. WILLIAMS

I beg to move, "That the Clause be read a Second time."

I hope the Chancellor of the Exchequer? will be able to give a definite concession in respect of this Amendment. It is protective in character. It happens to be the case that certain liqueurs of a kind that we import from abroad are made in this country. If they are made in this country, under the provisions of the Spirits Act, 1880, they may not be stored in bond for home consumption, but if similar liqueurs are imported from abroad they may be stored in bond. As a result the importer is placed in a more favourable position than the home producer, and I am merely asking that the home producer of liqueurs of a kind made in this country should not be placed in a disadvantageous position financially as compared with the importer of foreign liqueurs. [An HON MEMBER: "What are the home-made liqueurs"] Cherry brandy is one of them. It is made in substantial quantities in this country, and having regard to the circumstances I see no reason why the British manufacture of cherry brandy should be in a worse position than the importer of foreign liqueur. The Amendment involves an Amendment of the Spirits Act of 1880, and I hope that the Chancellor of the Exchequer will see his way to adopt it.

10.24.p.m.

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

It is a little difficult in reading the Clause on the Order Paper to understand what it means, but after the very lucid speech of my hon. Friend I can see there is a good deal in it. I am not prepared to accept the Clause as it stands without further examination, but I am quite ready to consider it sympathetically, and if my hon. Friend will give me the pleasure of his company between now and the Report Stage we will see what we can do in framing something to meet what he desires.

Mr. WILLIAMS

I very hopefully beg leave to withdraw the Motion.

Motion and Clause, by leave, withdrawn.