62. Mr. Baker Whiteasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the rising cost of living, he will permit wine and spirit stores and other off-licences to sell single, quarter and miniature bottles of spirits, often bought for medicinal purposes, thus bringing them into line with restaurants, inns and railway restaurant cars.
§ Mr. JayI would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Faversham (Mr. P. Wells) on 13th March.
§ Lieut.-Commander BraithwaiteCan the Minister say whether any loss of revenue would be involved if this suggestion were adopted?
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanIs the hon. Gentleman aware that in view of the Treasury's efforts to ruin the Scotch whisky trade the miniature bottle of spirits is the only one that will be of the least use at the present time, owing to the shortage of supplies?
§ Mr. ErrollWill the Minister bear in mind that spirits are becoming so expensive that miniature bottles of spirits are the only ones we can afford to buy?
§ Mr. A. LewisOn a point of order. May I draw your attention, Mr. Speaker, to the fact that for some considerable time a lady in the Strangers' Gallery has been using binoculars, or opera-glasses, which is against the Rules of the House?
§ Mr. SpeakerI will take notice of that.