§ 31. Mr. Stokesasked the President of the Board of Trade why he finds it necessary to continue the export of whisky to America; and whether he is aware that, whereas we sell it to the United States of America at 5s. a bottle, it is sold in America at three dollars ninety-five cents?
§ Mr. DaltonA substantial quantity of dollars is obtained by the sale of whisky to the United States of America. The f.o.b. price varies according to quality. The American retail price contains c.i.f. costs and also United States import duty and internal revenue tax, and, in any case, is not within my control.
§ Mr. StokesIs my right hon. Friend aware that America really does not need this whisky and that she has plenty of her own, and is he further aware of the genuine concern of the military authorities of this country that owing to the shortage of supply all sorts of poisonous substitutes, such as "hooch," are being sold to the troops to the disadvantage of their health?
§ Mr. DaltonThere is no evidence that the American public do not desire this whisky. It appears to be very readily absorbed, and it has already been pointed out that it fetches a very high price.
§ Mr. McGovernIs it not the case that this whisky was responsible for bringing them into the war?