§ 71. Dr. Littleasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that, prior to the outbreak of war, much concern was caused by the great increase in the consumption of cheap colonial wines of high alcoholic content and that magistrates in Great Britain, as well as a Select Committee in Northern Ireland, have pointed out the evil resulting from this increase; and whether he can make a statement of the Government's attitude to the trade demand for increased facilities for the importation of these highly intoxicating wines at the present time?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI am informed that there is some evidence that in the past some drunkenness was caused by the consumption of the cheaper kinds of Colonial wine which had been adulterated by the purchaser after sale. There is no evidence which would justify discrimination against Colonial wine. With regard to ~he last part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to my answer to the hon. Member for Twickenham (Mr. Keeling) on 2nd October.
§ Dr. LittleIs my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that this wine is seriously endangering the health of the nation and interfering with our war effort?