§ Mr. SIDNEY ROBINSONasked the Secretary of State for India whether he will state the net excise revenue of India for the years 1915–16, 1916–17, and 1917–18, respectively; and what was the recorded consumption of country spirits in each of those years in Bengal, Madras, Bombay (including Sind), Bihar and Orissa, the United Provinces, the Punjab, and the Central Provinces and Berar, respectively?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe following statement gives the information desired:—
1808W
— 1915–16. 1916–17. 1917–18. 1. Net Excise Revenue of India (a) £ £ £ 8,498,270 9,106,082 10,057,395 2. Country spirit issued from central distilleries, public or private (b) Proof gallons. Proof gallons. Proof gallons. Bengal 665,023 626,454 700,586 Madras 1,491,470 1,644,466 1,648,150 Bombay 2,355,371 2,700,132 Figures not yet available Sind 216,557 213,388 Bihar and Orissa 901,804 985,825 1,070,081 United Provinces 1,219,905 1,455,409 1,459,984 Punjab 331,603 357,818 398,041 Central Provinces and Berar 920,845 1,097,427 1,098,299 (a) i.e. gross revenue less refunds, drawbacks and compensations. (b) These figures do not cover out stile areas, for which statistics of consumption are not available. Out stile areas are being steadily reduced.
§ Mr. ROBINSONasked the Secretary of State for India whether he will state the quantity and value of spirits imported into India during the year 1917–18, and the amount of revenue derived there from; and what were the countries from which the spirits imported into India were exported?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe following statement gives the information sought.
- (1) Imports into India in 1917–18 of potable spirits, distinguishing countries of origin.
- (2) Revenue from spirits, including duty on methylated and other non-potable spirits.
Articles and Countries of Consignment. Quantity. Value. Brandy— Gallons. £ United Kingdom 23,847 29,211 France 191,171 191,417 Holland 8,164 4,788 Other Countries 5,202 1,457 Total 228,384 226,873 Gin— United Kingdom 41,262 30,241 Holland 5,237 3,102 Other Countries 18 20 Total 46,517 33,363 Liqueurs— United Kingdom 4,489 9,183 France 4,876 7,173 Other Countries 1,175 1,793 Total 10,540 18,149 Rum— United Kingdom 16,392 6,118 Java 76,250 6,937 Other Countries 3,016 565 Total 95,658 13,620 Whisky— United Kingdom 645,591 597,225 Holland 4,704 2,708 Other Countries 5,344 2,329 Total 655,639 602,262 Grand total—potable spirit. 1,056,738 894,267 Customs Revenue in 1917–18 on spirits imported, including methylated and other non-potable spirits—£674,512.