§ 22. Mr. Dribergasked the Minister of Food if he has considered the wholesale price list of wines and spirits submitted to him by the honourable Member for Maldon, including Scotch whisky at £38 5s., cocktails at £21 12s., British sherry-type wine at £10 8s., South African sherry-type wine at £14 18s. and sherry at £21 a dozen bottles; if he is aware that the wine company circulating this price list is soliciting orders from licensed victuallers; if the quality and prices of these liquors are in accordance with the standards and controls of his Department; and what action he proposes to take to prevent the sale of inferior and harmful drink at exorbitant prices.
§ Mr. StracheyAlthough there is no statutory control, maximum selling prices for wines and spirits imported under concessions granted by His Majesty's Government are agreed with the trade associations concerned and supervised by them. Similar arrangements are in force for whisky and gin. I am asking the associations concerned for their comments on the prices quoted for whisky and gin in the price list supplied by my hon. Friend. Under the Food and Drugs Acts, local authorities already have powers to deal with any harmful wine or spirits unfit for human consumption. I have recently made an Order under which all intoxicating liquors will have to be labelled with a statement of their true nature. Under the same Order, the sale of low strength cocktails and inferior liqueurs will be prohibited after 31st March.
§ Mr. DribergWill my right hon. Friend draw the attention of the local authorities concerned to this particular case? Will he also communicate to the House the report he receives from the trade associations?
§ Mr. StracheyI will consider doing that.