HC Deb 05 June 1947 vol 438 cc380-1
52. Squadron-Leader Sir Gifford Fox

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider putting an export duty on whisky to raise dollars; and the anticipated yield if £1 duty was imposed on each bottle.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

No, Sir. The estimated yield of such a tax would be very conjectural, and I am not satisfied that it would increase our dollar receipts.

Sir G. Fox

Is the Chancellor of the Exchequer unable to give any figure at all, and does he not think that if more whisky was kept in this country, there would be a greater incentive for the masses to work harder?

Mr. George Wallace

Does not my right hon. Friend realise that if sufficient quantities of whisky were available, the masses would be nearly unconscious?