§ 50. Air-Commodore Harveyasked the Minister of Food if he will investigate the activities of the British Commonwealth Wine Society, which is circularising members of the public asking for £1 is. for membership, when in actual fact they are informing members that they have no supplies of wine or spirits for six months.
§ Mr. StracheyI have seen this circular. It contains a statement which might suggest that special facilities have been given to this society by representatives of the South African and Australian Governments in this country and by the Australian Wine Board. There is no foundation for any such suggestion. The head of the Australian Wine Board has written to the trade Press to this effect and has requested the society to withdraw its circulars. The office of the High Commissioner for the Union of South Africa has also protested. The society is not entitled to any quota of Empire wines or whisky.
§ Air-Commodore HarveyIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that they are also advertising whiskey—one bottle every two months—and that these people send their guineas in, and then they cannot get it? Will he give an assurance that this practice will cease, and that the people concerned will get their guineas back?
§ Mr. StracheyMy Department has no powers in the matter but the competent authorities, which have power, have the matter under review.