§ Mr. MACQUISTENasked the Food Controller whether he is aware that distillers refuse to sell whisky in bulk, duty free, and insist on selling it either duty paid or in bottle, whereof they obtain an extra profit of 9s. 3d. per proof gallon, which is all lost to the retailer who has, up till now, been by the custom of the trade entitled to buy in bond in bulk, duty free; and whether he will take steps to put an end to the wholesale firms encroaching upon the established privileges and province of the retail firms?
Mr. ROBERTSThere are no regulations by which distillers are compelled to sell whisky on in-bond terms. If a purchaser is unwilling to obtain the quantity permitted to him on the terms proposed by the seller, it is open to him to obtain a certificate showing the amount to which he is entitled, and under this certificate to approach another seller and purchase on agreed terms.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the new duty of 20s. per proof gallon upon spirits falls inequitably upon the retailer, in respect that it is borne to the extent of 14s. 3d. by the retailer while the distiller only pays 5s. 9d. thereof, notwithstanding that the whole of the increased price of Is. 6d. per bottle has been 590W permitted to be added to the price by the distiller, although the retailer is made to collect it from the public, and that the result of the incidence of the tax is that the distiller is receiving an increase of 12s. or thereby per proof gallon of increased price, subject to the deduction of the aforesaid levy of 5s. 9d., while the retailer is charged with 14s. 3d. without relief, although his on cost charges and other business outlay are greatly increased?
Mr. ROBERTSI have been asked to reply. I have no exact information to the effect stated by the hon. Member. The Spirits (Prices and Description) Order was framed with a view to apportioning the available margin of profit equitably between all classes of the trade concerned; but I may say that I have invited the Advisory Committee, consisting of representatives of every branch of the trade, which is attached to the Department, to suggest, if possible, an improved scale of prices. If and as soon as this is forthcoming, I will consider the advisability of immediately substituting it for the existing scale.