HC Deb 10 May 1861 vol 162 cc1910-1

Resolution reported.

MR. HENNESSY

inquired why the Resolution had been taken in Committee of Ways and Means; and also how it happened that the Excise duties on chicory were 8s. 6d. while the Customs' duties amounted to 12s. 6d.?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

said, notice had originally been given of the Resolution in Committee of Ways and Means, and it was thought better to adhere to that arrangement. The difference between the Customs and Excise duties would be intelligible when he stated that chicory being a plant which only ripened every second year it would not have been fair to impose the full duty on a crop which was not grown in contemplation of it; or, on the other hand, to give the benefit of the increase to the British grower exclusively in one year.

Resolution agreed to.

House adjourned at a quarter before One o'clock till Monday next.