HC Deb 02 August 1944 vol 402 cc1387-8
53 Squadron-Leader Donner

asked the Minister of Food (1) how much profit His Majesty's Government made on buying and importing wine from Sicily since the occupation of that island; and whether he is aware that many of these casks are defective in quality and in strength;

(2) why 15s. a bottle is being charged for inferior Marsala bought by the Government, when Madeira, imported a short time previously by private firms, is sold at 14s. a bottle;

(3) what was the organisation which bought a large quantity of Marsala and other wine from Sicily this year on behalf of His Majesty's Government; and why the wine and spirit trade were required to pay 18s. 6d. a gallon in bond, plus £5 deposit for cask, or more than double the value of the finest quality Marsala before the war.

Colonel Llewellin

The only shipment so far made of Marsala and other wine from Sicily is a small trial consignment, made by the Allied military authorities. The price is calculated to put this wine on a price parity with sherry, with which I am advised it is comparable. The deposit of £5 for casks is required to ensure their return, since they are in short supply. These casks are similar to those in which wine has been shipped from other sources of supply during war-time. The net yield from the sale of Sicilian wine will be one of the items for consideration in any future settlement with the Italian authorities, and it is, therefore, not possible to state what profit, if any, His Majesty's Government may make.

Squadron-Leader Donner

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that this Marsala is 7 per cent. below the recognised standard of strength, and that some of the casks are defective and old?

Colonel Llewellin

We tried to put a reasonable cost on it, and quite a number of people are taking it at that price.

Squadron-Leader Donner

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend include in his organisation a member of the wine trade who can distinguish between the good wine and putrid wine?

Mr. Mathers

Is there not more need for olive oil to be imported?

Colonel Llewellin

I will bring in any olive oil that I can get—in fact, we are bringing in such as we can get.

Viscountess Astor

Will the Minister warn people of the insanitary conditions in which this wine is made?

Colonel Llewellin

One of the advantages of fermentation is that it purifies.

Viscountess Astor

I was speaking of filth.

Mr. Petheriek

Does not this newfangled policy of State trading inevitably result in putting new bad wine into old casks?

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