HC Deb 19 December 1969 vol 793 cc499-500W
Captain Kerby

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many of the 708 million original proof gallons of British plain spirit held in bonded-warehouse at 31st March, 1969 were distilled in Scotland.

Mr. Taverne

About 702 million proof gallons.

Captain Kerby

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many three-year-old original proof gallons of British plain spirit were withdrawn from bond, with duty paid, during 1969.

Mr. Taverne

This information is not available.

Captain Kerby

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer of the 708 million original proof gallons of British plain spirit held in bond at 31st March, 1969, how much is non-whisky spirit, namely, gin, vodka or other spirit.

Mr. Taverne

About 4 million proof gallons of the stock was industrial ethyl alcohol or plain spirit for use in the production of compounded spirits. Gin, vodka and other compounded spirits are not classified as British plain spirit.

Captain Kerby

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer under what category of spirit, plain or otherwise, his Department classes drambuie.

Mr. Taverne

"Drambuie" is classified for revenue purposes as British compounded spirits.

Captain Kerby

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer of the 708 million original proof gallons of British plain spirit held in bond at 31st March, 1969, how many gallons were entered into bond, yearly, during the last decade.

Mr. Taverne

This information is not available.

Captain Kerby

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of the fact that at the present rate of duty on the 708 million original proof gallons of British plain spirit held in bond, the estimated yield to the Exchequer when duty-paid would total over £13,000 million, he will computerise Customs and Excise data, with a view to keeping up-to-date and accurate figures for the benefit of the industry and British exports.

Mr. Taverne

Records of stocks of spirits in bonded warehouse were transferred to the Customs and Excise computer from February, 1966. Following consultation with the industry, its members have been asked to provide, from 1st January, 1970, fuller information about movement of spirit into and out of bonded warehouses, and Customs and Excise will then compile and publish more detailed statistics.