§ Sir G. TOUCHEasked the Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that the application of the restrictions governing the withdrawal of spirits from bond is resulting in hardship in the case of hospitals, both military and civil, on account of the inability of retailers to supply the small quantities of brandy necessary for their consumption due to their inability to show an average owing to their varying needs, which are dependent on the nature of the cases under treatment, and that representations made on behalf of the Great Northern Central Hospital to the Customs authorities pointing out that their consumption was two gallons every ten days, that they were now using their last two gallons, and that their suppliers were unable to draw a further quantity from bond only resulted in a promise to place the subject before the Board with a view to an inquiry being held and a statement 42W that some weeks might elapse before a decision was arrived at; and, in view of the fact that the application of the restrictions in such cases cannot be in the public interest, and having regard to the necessity for the maintenance of an adequate supply of brandy for use in the treatment of wounded soldiers, will he take such steps as will procure a modification of the Regulations in so far as they govern the supply of brandy to hospitals?
§ Mr. BALDWINThe Board of Customs and Excise inform me that while they can identify the case referred to they had no knowledge that the situation was as described in the question. No representations have been made to them by the hospitals as to the effect upon them of the present restrictions, but they are inquiring further into the case of this hospital.