BRITISH BUDGET AND THE DRINK QUESTION

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2436, 15 April 1915, Page 5

BRITISH BUDGET AND THE DRINK QUESTION

NO ADDITIONS TO INCOME TAX London, April 13. The Parliamentary correspondent of "The Times" says:—"The Budget will be of exceptional interest' and importance. The drink problem is largely a question of finance. Mr. Lloyd George will have to face a serious loss as a result of his drink measures. It has been virually settled that there will be no additions to the inoome tax. The newspapers are discussing_ the prospect of an increased consumption of 'Australian and French light wines _in consequence of the expected restnction of spirits. (Rec. April' 14, 8.40 p.m.) London, April 14. The "Daily Chronicle" says that the Cabinet's drink policy is still unsettled. Two committees are inquiring into the subject, and have asked the opinions of experts like Sir Thomas Whittaker, M.P., Mr, R. Seebohm Rowntree, Labour leaders, and also of leading business men. ' ■ It is certain that the Government does not, contemplate universal prohibition, hut probably a restrictive measure, including the prohibition of the manufacture of sole spirits; reduction in the alcoholic strength of beer; hours of sale not to exceed five; closing of publiehonses near factories, mines, and workshops; and the compensation to interests affected. The "Chronicle" confirms the statement that Cabinet is considering an elaborate memorandum with a view to eliminating private profits on the sale of alcoholic liquor, the State acquiring breweries and licensed houses at a cost of £300,000,000. The Right Hon. Sir Thomas Whittaker has taken an active part in the Temperance movement, and was a member of the Royal Commission on Licensing, 1896-99; has written extensively on economic, financial, commercial, statistical, and social questions. Mr. Seebohm Rowntree, J.P., is the principal director of Rowntree and Co., Ltd., and is author of several pamphlets and books on social subjects, gambling, urban life, land and labour, and industrial questions. TREASURY BILLS AT FIXED DISCOUNT RATES. London, April 13. The Treasury has decided to issue from April 14 bills in denominations of thousands of pounds—from five thousand to ten thousand—at a fixed discount fate, subject to variations from lime to time. The bills are to have a currency of three, six, or nine months.