§ Sir J. Langford-Holtasked the Minister of Public Building and Works what stocks of wine were held for Government hospitality in November 1964; what are the present stocks held; and whether he will make a statement on the levels of various types of wine, both fortified and unfortified, between these two dates.
58W
§ Mr. AmeryFollowing is the information:
November 1964 Bottles April,* 1970 Bottles Table wines, red … 14,498 19,057 Table wines, white … 1,220 3,205 Fortified wines … 4,721 5,636 Champagne … 2,573 2,735 * Latest available date. Stocks have been increased since 1964 because the Government Hospitality Fund has acquired its own cellars thus eliminating the need to pay storage charges. The stock of wines laid down has therefore been raised to what are considered desirable levels bearing in mind likely future needs. The holding of such stocks enables the wines to be kept until they reach their best condition for drinking. It also ensures that purchases can be avoided in years when vintages are deficient in quantity or quality.