§ Mr. CAUTLEYasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the maximum price for a bottle of whisky receivable by the retailer is now 12s. 6d., and the cost to him is 11s. 5½d.; that the difference of 1s. 0½d. is not more than enough to cover establishment charges; and that the retailer is being put in the position of a mere tax gatherer without remuneration; and whether he will endeavour to ameliorate this grievance of a large number of traders?
§ Mr. McCURDYI have been asked to reply. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. In fixing the price of spirits the increase on a gill, quartern or noggin is determined by the increased duty as set forth in the Budget. The retail price per reputed quart bottle, and all other trade prices for distillers, blenders, agents, and wholesale distributors, is fixed by me with a view to providing for the equitable incidence of the increased duty and the provision of a fair proportion of profit to all the trade interests concerned. If any readjustment of the inter-trade prices is put forward and agreed to by the trade, I am always willing to consider the advisability of any Amendment of the intermediary scales of prices. I cannot, however, hold out any prospect of permitting an increased price to be charged to the consumer on the existing rate of duty.