HC Deb 06 March 1863 vol 169 c1208

Custom Acts (Tobacco Duties)—considered in Committee:—

(In the Committee.)

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

moved a Resolution— That the duty of Customs on unmanufactured Tobacco imported into Great Britain and Ireland which shall contain less than 10lbs. per cent of moisture shall be 3s. 6d. per lb.

MR. AYRTON

said, it seemed as if they were about to increase the duty on the class of tobacco consumed by the poor, when they were reducing it on that kind of tobacco which was consumed by the rich. This would have a bad effect upon the public mind. He did not care how much the duties were reduced, his only desire being that they should be fairly levied upon all classes of the community.

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

said, he would not detain the House now by giving detailed explanations of the effect of the clause, but he would only say that the Resolution merely proposed to fix a test of moisture in tobacco in reference to drawback, and was not intended to have any bearing whatever upon the ordinary duties on tobacco.

Resolution agreed to.

Resolved, That the Duty of Customs on unmanufactured Tobacco imported into Great Britain and Ireland, which shall contain less than 10lbs. per cent of moisture, shall be … per lb. 3s. 6d.

House resumed.

Resolution to be reported on Monday next.