HC Deb 26 February 1946 vol 419 cc1742-3
69. Lieut. -Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many gallons of whisky were exported from Scotland to the U.S.A. during 1945; and how many gallons were released for consumption in this country during the same period.

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Glenvil Hall)

The provisional figure for both Scotch and Irish whisky is 2,168,809 proof gallons. Information is not available to show how much of this quantity was exported from Scotland. I regret that figures showing the quantity released in this country are not available.

Sir T. Moore

As this is a most important matter, may I ask the hon. Gentleman if he is satisfied that the dollar return from America is adequate compensation for the increased austerity imposed on this long-suffering country, and whether he does not think that this whisky would be better retained in this country as a bait for increasing our American tourist traffic?

Mr. Hall

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman wants to discover what the difference is between the whisky consumed here and in the United States he had better put a Question to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Food.

Mr. J. Hudson

Does my hon. Friend realise that, whether whisky is exported or kept here, the very best grain is ruined by the process of turning it into whisky?