§ 23. Mr. Barrasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies the amount of geneva or gin imported into the Gold Coast during the year 1941; and whether the Government of the Gold Coast have yet fixed the quota of permitted gallons of geneva or gin that may be imported into that country during the year 1942?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Harold Macmillan)Exact figures for imports during 1941 are not yet available, but the most recent estimate of imports for that period is 8,500 gallons. The quota allowed for 1942 is 73,500 gallons. Up to date licences to import 22,179 gallons have been issued, but I am unable to say what quantities will actually be imported.
§ Mr. BarrCan the Minister give any reason why the quota allowed bears such a great, disproportion to the amount actually imported and consumed?
§ Mr. MacmillanYes, Sir. I do not know whether my hon. Friend has any experience of trying to buy whisky. The quota allowed is comparable to what the doctor says you ought to have, the licences are the orders which you are allowed to place with a wine merchant, and the deliveries are what you actually get.