§ DR. FARQUHARSON (Aberdeenshire, W.)asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, If, in view of the widespread dissatisfaction existing at the manner in which the Medicine Stamps Tax has lately been enforced, especially in Scotland, he would be prepared, pending the introduction of a Bill dealing with the whole question, to repeal the clauses which apply to medicines not coming under the head of patent or secret compounds?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. GOSCHEN) (St. George's, Hanover Square)I am not aware that there has been any expression on the part of the chemists and druggists of the "widespread dissatisfaction" which the hon. Member's Question assumes to exist. In fact, the leading trade journals have on more than one occasion expressed an opinion that these duties are administered in a considerate manner. There is no difference between England and Scotland in the mode of enforcement. The adoption of the hon. Member's suggestion would destroy the greater part of the produce of the duties.