§ 49. Colonel ROPNERasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that molasses is being imported into this country for the purpose of distilling alcohol from it, and whether Excise Duty is charged on such alcohol and at what rate; whether he is satisfied that the steps being taken in this direction are adequate to protect the revenue in view of the fact that this alcohol is being mixed with motor spirit and used as a substitute therefor?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI am aware that alcohol is and for many years has been distilled in this country from imported 1654 molasses; such alcohol when made into power methylated spirits and when used for industrial purposes generally is expressly exempted by statute from the Excise Duty on spirits; the matter is kept under careful observation, but I do not consider that any action is called for at present.