§ LORD JOHN MANNERSasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, If he has prepared a scheme for allowing the agriculturists of the United Kingdom to grow tobacco for sale?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. CHILDERS)In accordance with the promise I gave the noble Lord during last Session, I have carefully inquired into this subject during the Recess. The facts seem to be that for a certain number of years, beginning in 1779, and I think ending in 1830, tobacco was allowed to be grown in Ireland. At the end of that period a Committee of this House, I believe, sat, and a Bill was passed putting an end to that permission. At that time the Free Trade rules, which are now the basis of our legislation, were not so well understood, and the tobacco grown in Ireland was not subjected to duty—that is to say, if consumed in Ireland. Of course, now, if the permission was restored, the tobacco would have to pay an Excise duty countervailing the Customs duty. I am quite certain that as the old experiment when there was no duty practically failed—not much tobacco, and that of inferior quality, having 335 been grown—nothing would be gained if the permission was now granted. With the Excise duty it would fail altogether, unless on the part of these who might hope to escape the duty. I, therefore, after the fullest consideration, have come to the conclusion that it would not be expedient to allow the growth of tobacco in this country.
§ LORD JOHN MANNERSI will call further attention to the subject.