The terms of the compromise on the drink question arrived
at between the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the representa- tives of the trade were announced on theevening of Friday week In place of the proposed new whisky duties, which are to be cancelled, the Government propose to prohibit the sale of spirits under three years of age. The new duties on beer and wine will be withdrawn, the Irish Members having refused to accept the arrangement made with the brewers for encouraging the brewing of light beers. In the debate on Monday on the Defence of the Realm Bill, which gives the Government powers to control the liquor traffic in the munitions areas, Mr. Lloyd George explained the arrangements which the Government proposed to make for the special areas. Permanent acquisition of publio-houses would be necessary, and when alterations were needed to suit the Government's requirements the freehold must be purchased.
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