§ 53. Mr. MACQUISTENasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the Canadian Government have reduced the duty upon Scotch whisky to £1 per proof gallon, and has, in addition, cancelled the import tax of 1½ per cent. on the duty-paid price; and whether he will inquire into the effect upon the revenue of Canada of the previous higher duty?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. Malcolm MacDonald)I have been asked to reply. It is the case that reductions on approximately the scale indicated have recently been made in the British preferential Customs Duty upon various spirits, including whisky, imported into Canada. As regards the second part of the question, I will ascertain what information is available, and communicate further with my hon. and learned Friend.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENWould not a larger revenue be obtained if the price were reduced? Is it not the case that, whereas the British whisky trade used to pay 20 per cent. of the taxation of this country, it now only pays 4 per cent., because the tax is so high that the trade is killed?
Viscountess ASTORWould the hon. Gentleman inquire what effect an increased consumption of whisky has on the social, moral and spiritual well-being of the people?