§ SIR EDWARD BIRKBECK (Norfolk, E.)asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether the cultivators of tobacco in the United Kingdom will be grated any further concessions this season than were allowed last year?
THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. GOSGHEN) (St. George's, Hanover Square)I am quite ready to grant any further facilities that appear to be reasonably required; but, so far, I have been asked for no specific concessions except one. The deputation who recently waited on me only urged me to allow the growth of tobacco duty free in this country for a series of years, till the industry was firmly established. Apart from the other objections that might be brought against such a proposal, I did not feel that, in the interests of the Revenue, I should be justified in acceding to their request. It would be a serious thing to do anything to imperil the very large revenue we receive from tobacco.