HC Deb 18 June 1942 vol 380 c1666
30. Sir H. Williams

asked the Minister of Health whether he has any further statement to make in respect of the surcharge on the Hackney Borough Council; and can he state the details of the expenditure in connection with which the surcharge was made?

Mr. E. Brown

I hope to be in a position shortly to give my decision on the application for relief from the persons surcharged. The expenditure in question relates to the purchase in the first week of the war of 30 bottles of brandy, 36 bottles of whisky, 18 bottles of gin, 16 bottles of vermouth, 60 bottles of soda water, 120 pints of ale and 8 crates of ale.

Sir H. Williams

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me who were asked to the party?

Mr. Brown

I do not think I ought to add anything to the Answer which I have given, seeing that I have to make a decision upon the surcharge.

Mr. Gallacher

Does not an authority which keeps such a useless luxury as a Press representative deserve to have a surcharge?

Mr. George Griffiths

Is the hon. Member for South Croydon (Sir H. Williams) jealous because he was not asked to the party?