§ First, I propose additions to all the taxes on alcoholic liquor—
§ Sir J. Simon—to take effect as from to-morrow. I must state the details clearly for the benefit of hon. Members generally. On beer, the addition will be 24s. per 36 gallons, which is equivalent to an added Id. a pint. This increased beer duty is estimated to produce £11,000,000 more this year and £27,000,000 more in a full year. Next, the duty on spirits will be increased by 10s. per proof gallon in the basic duty. I may perhaps make it more intelligible if I say that, from inquiries which I have made, I believe that a bottle of whisky now costs 12s. 6d. —
§ Sir J. SimonI defer to the superior knowledge of hon. Members, but let us make an assumption. It is that, if a bottle of whisky costs 12s. 6d., with the added duty it would cost 13s. 9d. That is estimated to produce £2,000,000 this year and in a full year £3,500,000. In the case of wines there will be an increaseat the rate of 2s. per gallon on imported light wines and British wines, and 4s. per gallon on imported heavy wines. That will produce £1,000,000 this year and, in a full year, about £2,000,000. In connection with imported sparkling wines and spirits, it has been necessary to ask the French Government to agree to a modification of the Anglo-French Trade Treaty of 1934, which binds the duty on champagne and brandy. The French Government have consented, and I should like to express the thanks of His Majesty's Government for their ready concurrence.