HC Deb 14 July 1977 vol 935 cc976-7
Mr. David Mitchell

I beg to move Amendment No. 7, in page 7, line 31, at end insert 'and any such order shall only be made after the Treasury are satisfied that the necessary spirit "tables" for ascertaining the strength of spirits at various temperatures and certified metric measuring instruments are adequately available'. I shall not detain the House for long at this hour. I hope that the Minister will be able to accept the amendment, but if, for any reason, he is not able to do so perhaps he will give the House an assurance that the contents or the amendment will be taken care of.

The Government are proposing—hardly an explosive matter—to move from the traditional system of measuring spirit strengths to a measuring system based on the OIMC formula. It is interesting to note that the old British system for measuring the proof of spirits was to pour the spirit over gunpowder and put a match to it. If it exploded, it was proof. If the spirit had more water and only burned, it was below proof. Perhaps it is not unreasonable to move to a different method.

The new system involves considerable detailed tables, because every calculation has to be at each degree of temperature change. Those who have to deal with these calculations—and I might have a partial interest to declare—ought to have an assurance that before the Treasury introduces the order an adequate number of the spirit tables will be available for them.

12.30 a.m.

Mr. Robert Sheldon

The hon. Member for Basingstoke (Mr. Mitchell) was correct in his description of the replacement of the proof system by the new system, which has been introduced after discussions with the wine and spirits trade. The date which has been agreed fits in with the industry's plans to adopt metric sizes prior to metrication in the United States, which is scheduled for 1980. On practical grounds, it is not intended that the new system should be introduced until sufficient equipment and tables have been obtained. We should be able to meet those requirements, which are essential for the timetable that I have described.

Amendment negatived.

Further consideration adjourned.—[Mr. Joel Barnett.]

Bill, as amended in the Committee and in the Standing Committee, to be further considered this day.

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