§ Major GRAYasked the Food Controller whether the amount of whisky which retailers are now allowed to take out of bond is proportionate to the amount they purchased in the year 1916; whether he is aware that certain of the retailers, having purchased unusually large quantities in 1915, made practically no purchases in 1916, and that as a consequence of the existing arrangements the amount which they are now able to obtain is altogether insufficient to meet reasonable demands; whether he is aware that this is giving rise to very great irritation; and, if so, what steps, if any, he proposes to take to remove the grievance?
§ Mr. McCURDYThe quantity of spirit now permitted to be released from bond is 75 per cent. of the quantity delivered out of bond in the year 1916. I am not aware that any serious hardship has arisen from the cause stated by the hon. and gallant Member in the latter part of the question.