§ Mr. MACQUISTENasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that, just as experience proved that an extravagant duty upon champagne and cigars reduced the revenue therefrom, so the same result is now and for the last few months has been accruing from the present high duty upon whisky and beer; whether he is aware that in Shepheard's Hotel, in Cairo, whisky of pre-War strength can be purchased at 8s. per bottle while in the cow caddens and the goose clubs in Glasgow whisky of the strength of grog costs 12s. 6d. per bottle; and whether, with a view to increased revenue, he will reduce the duty upon the alcoholic refreshment of the working classes to a figure which will enable them to purchase it at a price within the reach of their reduced wages?
§ Sir R. HORNEThe receipts of revenue from beer and spirits are not showing the results suggested by my hon. and learned Friend. In my opinion, a reduction in the rate of duty on beer and spirits would lead to a substantial loss of revenue, and in these circumstances I am not prepared to recommend it.