§ SIR EDWARD BIRKBECK (Norfolk, E.)asked the Secretary to the Treasury, Whether, taking into consideration the great interest felt in, and the importance attaching to, the question of experimental tobacco cultivation in the United Kingdom, a statutory declaration will be accepted from tenant farmers and others intending to grow tobacco this season, instead of finding sureties in £100 per acre for the protection of the Revenue?
§ THE SECRETARY (Mr. JACKSON) (Leeds, N.)I am willing to accept the suggestion of my hon. Friend; and, after consultation with the Revenue authorities, I propose that the declaration should be in the following form—
I, A B, tobacco cultivator at—, in the parish of—and county of—, declare that I will afford to the officials authorized by the Board of Inland Revenue free access at all times to the grounds and places used for the cultivation of tobacco, and that all tobacco grown by me shall be duly produced to the proper Revenue officer, to be charged with duty or otherwise disposed of in accordance with any regulations which may be issued relating to the growing of tobacco.This declaration must be made before a magistrate.