asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the revenue he obtains from every bottle of whisky sold in America; and how much from every bottle sold in this country.

From exports to the U.S.A. we obtain, not revenue, but dollars. On home sales, this excise is 18s. 4½d. a bottle.

Does not the Financial Secretary agree that a certain relaxation should be made in the matter of supplies of whisky for our own people here, and that it would be a great benefit?

That, surely, depends upon one's point of view, and also on one's taste.

Does not my right hon. Friend agree that it is high time that we increased the price of whisky to the United States so as to get more dollars?

Surely, we must assume that the distillers who export the whisky to America get the best price they can.

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether he is aware that, if we exported to the United States the expected exports at the price we pay in this country, we would make 256 million dollars, which is the same amount as this country spends on tobacco? May I also ask him, since he has just stated that the distillers know their job best, whether it has ever occurred to him to check up on the amount that goes, out of the price at which it is sold to the United States, to the various people who handle it over there, and whether this very valuable and staple export of this country might not be a proper job for bulk selling, instead of leaving it to private enterprise?

Hon. Members:

Nationalisation.

In view of the very unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter of the failure of the Government to understand the seriousness of the situation on the Motion for the Adjournment on Monday next, when I hope many hon. Members will be present.