§ 96. Wing-Commander Robinsonasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that the recent action of the Customs and Excise in imposing a partial ban on clearances of wines and spirits from bond may result in severe restrictions of supplies to the general public at Christmas; and whether he will consult with the department of the Board of Trade in order to accelerate such clearance.
§ Mr. Glenvil HallI have been asked to reply. If the ban should prove to have interfered with the Christmas trade, I regret it; but I am afraid Budget considerations are paramount. With regard to the second part of the Question, I cannot see what action can be taken by the Treasury or the Board of Trade in this connection.