§ MR. CRILLY (Mayo, N.)asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether his attention has been directed to an exhaustive experiment made by Messrs. Cope and Co. in the manufacture of an extensive crop of English tobacco grown by Messrs. Carter and Co.; and, whether he will cause an inquiry by experts into the results attending the experiment, with the view, if possible, of relaxing the fiscal restrictions upon the culture of tobacco in Great Britain and Ireland?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. GOSCHEN) (St. George's, Hanover Square)Experiments have been made by Messrs. Carter and Co. in the manufacture of cut and roll tobacco from English-grown leaf. Great care appears to have been exercised in the manufacture of the article; but according to the best information which I have been able to obtain, the result has not been very satisfactory. The tobacco is stated to 583 be deficient in flavour and character; but I should be sorry to use any words which would discourage such experiments being tried. I think that it is only experience which will show the value to smokers of this tobacco. No inquiry by experts would be so valuable as a practical test by hon. Members accustomed to smoke; and if hon. Members wish it a sample of this tobacco will be placed in the Smoking Room. I am afraid there can be no change in the Fiscal Regulations, which are not at present unnecessarily stringent. I am anxious to facilitate the progress of these experiments; but the revenue from tobacco is so large that it is impossible to make any form of relaxation that would in no way threaten the Revenue.