§ MR. O'GRADYasked the Food Controller whether he is aware that foreign and American spirits in this country are uncontrolled as to price while superior spirits manufactured in Scotland and Ireland are controlled as to price, and that, as a result, the retailer prefers to sell the inferior foreign article, which yields a higher profit, to the detriment of public health and home industry; and will he examine the -recent clearances from bond and compare them with the corresponding periods of last year?
§ Mr. McCURDYIf the spirit referred to is sold in the United Kingdom under the 385W description of, or is, in fact, one of the kinds of spirits set out in the First Schedule of the Spirits (Prices and Description) Order, 1919, then such spirit is controlled as to price. I may add that it is improbable that spirits of inferior quality would command higher prices than those scheduled. As regards the last part of the question, I will cause the figures to be forwarded to the hon. and gallant Member as soon as they have been ascertained.