§ 78. Mr. RICHARDSasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that cheap spirits from Hamburg, Rotterdam and Spain are being added by importers to so-called Empire wines and wine cocktails, so that bottles containing these pay only is. 4d. duty, as against 8s. 5½ duty on the equivalent amount of alcohol sold as whisky; and whether he proposes to devise regulations to prevent loss of revenue and this form of encouragement to the consumption of ardent spirits?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI am aware of the provision of the Customs law governing the fortification of wines in bond, and I am also aware of the comparison between the taxation of alcohol in the form of wine and in the form of spirits; with regard to the second part of the question, the matter is kept under constant observation, but I cannot say more at present.
§ Mr. MONTAGUECan the right hon. Gentleman tell me what is meant by the phrase "alcohol, sold as whisky" and where it can be obtained?