§ 48. Captain Sir William Brassasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that whisky is being retailed at 14s. 3d. a bottle, while in his Budget speech he estimated the cost to the public at 13s. 9d. a bottle; and what is the explanation of this divergence?
§ Sir J. SimonThe statement which I made in my Budget speech was a calculation of the effect of the duty in increasing the pre-war price. I understand that the divergence referred to is claimed by the trade to be due to other elements.
§ Sir W. BrassIs my right hon. Friend satisfied that this increase is a reasonable one?
§ Sir J. SimonIt is not for me to be satisfied with that. The matter relates to what are alleged to be increased and excessive charges and that is a question in which the Board of Trade have an interest.
Viscountess AstorDoes my right hon. Friend not think that it would be a good thing in war time for the Government to take over the control of this trade?