§ Mr. TILLETTasked the Minister of Food whether the shortage of whisky, 917W caused by the withholding of supplies, is due to the effect of the Immature Spirits Act; and if he will take into consideration the advisability of reducing the bonding period from three years to one year, to give additional supplies for immediate requirements?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI am not aware of any general withholding of supplies of spirits by the spirit trade, and am of opinion that the stocks of mature spirits in bond are sufficient to satisfy a reasonable demand. I do not propose, therefore, to introduce legislation to reduce the bonding period, as suggested in the question.
§ Mr. TILLETTasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that the whole of the bonded stocks of whisky in the United Kingdom is in the hands of three distillery combines or companies known as the Whisky Trust; and, seeing that these trusts, now that the restrictions on clearances from bond are removed, are refusing to supply the requirements of the licensed traders and distributors, he will take any steps to alter this state of affairs?
§ Mr. McCURDYThe Food Controller has no information to the effect stated by the hon. Member in the first part of the question. As regards the second part, I am informed that the large holders of whisky are doing their utmost to meet the requirements of the licensed traders and distributors.