The following is the summary of the proposals outlined by
the Chancellor of the Exchequer published in Friday's Times :—
The duty on spirits is to be doubled. There is to be a graded surtax on beers containing over 7 per cent. of proof spirit, ranging from 123. to 36s, per bulk barrel, according to the specific gravity. The duty on wines is to be quadrupled, and the tax on sparkling wines raised to 15s. per gallon. Tho maximum dilution of spirits, permitted by law is to be increased from 25 to 35 under proof. The Government is to take powers, limited to the period of the war, to close public-hotmes or to control them, in certain areas where their presence is considered to be prejudicial to the output of munitions of war, the work of transport, or the discipline of troops. The power will include the right to use licensed or other premises in the .area for the purposes of supplying reasonable refreshment, and to make purchases from any brewery notwith- standing that a home has previously been tied. Fair compensation is to be given in respect of existing interests. The principles of compensation will be the same as those already in force under the present Defence of the Realm Act, and a Com- mission is to be appointed to ascertain the amount to be paid.
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