HC Deb 08 March 1949 vol 462 cc977-8
43. Mr. Boothby

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that at the present time foreign embassies in London are unable to obtain supplies of whisky in this country even if they are prepared to pay for it in gold dollars or other hard currency with the result that they are either limited to purchasing Irish or Canadian whisky in this country or to reimporting Scotch whisky via America or some other overseas country; and whether arrangements can be made to evolve a less onerous system of control.

The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Douglas Jay)

I am aware of the situation to which the hon. Member refers; but, as the hon. Member will appreciate, the effect of any change such as he has in mind would be to encourage the diversion of supplies earmarked for the development of permanent hard currency markets.

Mr. Boothby

Is it not a fact that these foreign embassies in London are prepared to pay in gold or hard currency? If that is the case, why should they not buy in Scotland, which is much nearer than the United States of America and is where the stuff is made?

Mr. Jay

There is an arrangement by which foreign embassies in London can be supplied against the export quota for payment in their own currency. If we went beyond that, we should interfere with our long-term market.

Mr. Scollan

May I ask the Financial Secretary if this is not a plea for the contact man in the whisky trade?