An hon. Memberinquired of the right hon. the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether be could give him such information as would set at rest the rumour afloat with regard to the new timber duties—namely, that timber imported before the 10th of October next would be liable to the present duty? As such a rumour was calculated to prejudice the trade in timber, he should be glad to know whether timber imported before that time would pay the old or the new duty?
§ The Chancellor of the Exchequersaid, no previous application had been made to him for information upon this point; but he believed he might tell the hon. Member that timber imported previous to the 10th of October and in bond would pay the duty in force at the time of its being taken out of bond, but that which was taken out of bond before that period would 270 be liable to the duty in force at the time of its importation.
§ The hon. Member said, he was perfectly satisfied with the answer of the right hon. Gentleman, as it would put an end to the rumour.