§ Sir C. RAWSONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what loss would accrue to the revenue by increasing the preference duty to 5s. per proof gallon on Empire brandies as against imported foreign brandies, based on imports from the Empire during 1926
Mr. Mc NEILLThe duty on Empire brandy is now 2s. 6d. per proof gallon less than the duty on foreign brandy, a preference which has been found effective in the case of rum. A reduction in the duty on Empire brandy by a further 2s. 6d. could not be made without at the same time reducing the duty on British spirits and on other Empire spirits by a1022W corresponding amount, and to do this would cost, it is estimated, over £1,500,000 a year.