§ Major Sir SAMUEL SCOTTasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can state when the present war restrictions upon the sale of wines and spirits are likely to be removed; and whether it is the intention of the Government to retain any of them permanently?
§ Mr. McCURDYI have been asked to reply. There are no restrictions upon the sale of wines so far as relates to price or quantity. In the case of spirits, the restrictions affecting delivery from bond for home consumption are under the consideration of the War Cabinet. The prices of spirits are, moreover, controlled; and until it is certain that the removal of price 569W restrictions would not result in an abnormal rise; these restrictions will be retained.
§ Mr. KILEYasked the President of the Board of Trade what restrictions, if any, are still imposed on the importation and sale of iron?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThere are no restrictions on imports of iron and steel, but maximum prices are still enforced by the Ministry of Munitions.
§ Mr. KILEYasked the President of the Board of Trade what restrictions, if any, are still imposed on the importation and sale of paper?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe importation of paper is permitted only under licence. The amounts licensed have been increased by 50 per cent. since the signing of the Armistice. Paper importers are required to supply their customers in the same proportion.
§ Mr. KILEYasked the President of the Hoard of Trade whether any, and, if so, what restrictions are still imposed on the importation and sale of wood?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe purchase and importation of timber from abroad is still controlled, and there are maximum prices in the United Kingdom for imported softwood and mining timber as well as for home-grown timber. Dealing in timber in this country is otherwise unrestricted, except that pitwood may not be sent outside the colliery area in which it is situate without a permit. On 1st March the Timber Control Department will cease exercising any control over hardwoods and freer importation may be expected. No restrictions on timber will be retained longer than absolutely necessary. For further details I would refer my hon. Friend to the "Board of Trade Journal" For 23rd and 30th January, and 6th February, copies of which I am sending him.
§ Mr. KILEYasked the President of the Board of Trade what restrictions, if any, are still imposed on the importation and sale of building materials?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThere are no restrictions on the importation of bricks and cement, but practically none are imported. On the sale of cement there are no restrictions. The sale of bricks is subject to maximum prices, and a system of permits,570W administered by the Ministry of Munitions, but I am informed that it is proposed to remove these restrictions at once.