§ Sir C. Lemonasked, whether it were intended to lay a duty on the importation of metallic tin; whether a duty were to be laid on foreign copper ore imported for smelting; and, if so, whether the duty would apply in proportion to the metal contained in the ore, or merely on the value of the ore as imported?
§ Mr. Gladstonesaid, that metallic tin had been omitted from the tariff by error. It was intended to alter the present law, which admitted metallic tin at a duty of 2l. 10s. the cwt., to 10l. the ton, or 10s. the cwt. A higher duty was imposed on the importation of tin, in proportion to other metals in the same state of preparation, on account of the duty levied for the duchy of Cornwall. With respect to copper ore, it was intended to do away entirely with the system of smelting in bond; and to make all ores liable to a duty of 5 per cent, ad valorem, whether imported for exportation or consumption. With respect to the other question put by the hon. Member, it was intended to take the 5 per cent, duty on the ore, and not on the copper extracted. As might have been expected, there were one or two errors of the press in the tables which bad been printed; and with reference to the fourth schedule, relating to seeds, he might mention that it was intended to continue the duty on linseed, rape, and flax at 1s. per quarter; and on gypsum, or plaster of Paris, the present duty would continue.