§ 60. Captain Gammansasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that, despite his recent assurances about additional supplies of spirits for the Christmas period, licensed victuallers in the London area are receiving less gin and other spirits than ever this month and that there will be nothing additional in hand for Christmas; and whether he is making some provision in this respect.
§ Sir B. SmithThe trade, as a whole, did not receive less gin and other spirits last month, but in response to a suggestion I made, many of its members reduced their releases during November to a small extent in order to enable them to release a little more for Christmas. The shortage of spirits is such that any sustained increase in distribution is impossible.
§ Captain GammansDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that a little more gin might help the people to forget the Government's election promises?
§ Sir B. SmithI am aware that much more gin would be necessary to make them forget the previous Government.