44. Mr. Gresham Cookeasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that since the duty on whisky 46W in Great Britain was raised by 4s. a bottle last April, 21 countries have raised their taxes on imported spirits, thus making it increasingly difficult for the British whisky industry to maintain their sales in those markets; and whether he will take suitable action in his next Budget to remedy this matter.
§ Mr. MacDermotRepresentations have been made to this effect; but I cannot anticipate my right hon. Friend's Budget statement.