HC Deb 28 June 1948 vol 452 cc1830-1
38. Mr. Keeling

asked the Minister of Food to what extent the lower cost of the francs required for this year's purchases of brandy and champagne was set off by higher customs duties; and when will new retail prices be announced.

Mr. Strachey

As the reply contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The new retail prices for champagne and sparkling wine were announced on 30th April last, and for brandy on 13th June.

— Per case of 12 bottles. Present Price Per Bottle. 1948 Concessions Imports Maximum Retail Prices Per Bottle.
Price f.o.b. before devaluation. Price f.o.b. after devaluation. Old Duty. New Duty.
s. d. s. d. s. d. s. d. s. d. s. d.
CHAMPAGNE.
(1) Grande Marque Vintage 130 0 117 0 88 0 75 0 29 0 25 6
(2) Grande Marque Non-Vintage. 115 0 104 0 88 0 75 0 26 0 23 6
(3) Buyer's Own Brand Vintage. 115 0 103 0 88 0 75 0 26 0 23 6
(4) Buyer's Own Brand Non-Vintage. 100 0 90 0 88 0 75 0 24 0 22 0
SPARKLING WINES.
(5) Red and White (other than Burgundy). 72 0 65 0 88 0 75 0 21 0 18 9
BRANDY.
(6) Three Star 110 0 100 0 249 6 41 0 42 0