§ Mrs. Middletonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will inquire into the effects of the monopoly of high-strength spirits in Mauritius and take action accordingly.
Mr. Creech JonesI do not know of the existence of a monopoly of high strength spirits in Mauritius. If my hon. Friend is referring to the export of high strength spirits from Mauritius to this country I understand that this is handled by a number of exporting firms who share the trade according to the quantities each can obtain from the local distillers. Export licences are issued freely by the local authorities. The spirits are purchased through United Kingdom agents of the exporters by the Gin Rectifiers Executive Committee at a price controlled by the Ministry of Food, which, I am informed, is the same as prices paid for similar products imported from elsewhere.