§ 55. Mr. Mathersasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give particulars showing how the consumption of alcoholic liquors decreased in the years ended 30th September, 1939 and 1940, respectively, as compared with years unaffected by war?
§ Sir K. WoodAs the Answer involves a table of figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following is the table:
§ The following quantities of liquors were retained for home consumption in the years specified:
430| — | Year ended 30th Sept., 1939. | Year ended 30th Sept., 1940. |
| Beer (standard barrels) | 19,549,000 | 18,315,000 |
| Spirits (proof gallons) | 11,718,000 | 8,992,000 |
| Wine (gallons) | 16,277,000 | 12,128,000 |
| British wines (gallons) | 6,968,000 | 6,705,000 |
§ As regards pre-war years I would refer my hon. Friend to the Annual Reports of the Commissioners of Customs and Excise.
§ 56. Mr. R. Gibsonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the production of alcohol and beer, respectively, in Scotland for the years 1939 and 1940, respectively?
§ Sir K. WoodAs the Answer involves a table of figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. GibsonCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether there has been an appreciable diminution?
§ Sir K. WoodI would like the hon. and learned Member to look at the figures.
§ The figures are as follow:
| — | Years ended 30th Sept. | |
| 1939 | 1940 | |
| Spirits (excluding industrial alcohol) (Proof gallons). | 27,581,310 | 11,195,002 |
| Calendar years. | ||
| 1939 | 1940 | |
| Beer (standard barrels) | 1,557,000 | 1,551,000 |