§ Mr. TILLETTasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what approximate quantity of spirits is in bond; what amount has been released since Government control has been removed; whether the present supplies are equal to the controlled period; and, if not, what is the comparative proportion?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe figures as to the stocks in bond at the end of each month are published in the "Monthly Trade and Navigation Accounts." The 1329W quantity of spirits in bonded warehouses at the end of last month was, approximately, 135,500,000 proof gallons. The restrictions on clearances for home consumption was removed on the 19th ultimo. I cannot give a figure of the clearances since that date, as the records are compiled for calendar months only, but the returns of duty received indicated an increase in clearances. It is inferred from the indications of increased clearances that supplies to the consumer have similarly increased, and exceed those of the controlled period, but in the absence of precise figures of the clearances since 19th November, the comparative proportions cannot be given.
§ Lieut.-Colonel POWNALLasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what amount of extra revenue he expects will be collected in the current financial year owing to the removal of the restrictions on the clearances of spirits?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI do not expect to get much, if any, additional revenue from the removal of the restrictions, but it is too early to give any figures.