§ MR. JOHN KELLY (Camberwell, N.)I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of the losses which the retail dealers in tea would suffer if the reduction in the duty from 6d. to 4d. were to take effect from the 1st proximo, he will consider whether the date at which the reduced duty only will be levied can be postponed until 1st June, and thus allow the retail dealers an opportunity, such as was given to them when the duty was previously reduced, of getting rid of their existing stocks.
§ *MR. GOSCHENThis is a matter of very considerable importance, and I have been engaged in endeavouring to ascertain what, on the whole, would be the most convenient course in the circumstances. While, on the one hand, I have received a number of communications urging that the reduction should be postponed in order to enable the dealers to decrease their stocks, I am informed on the other hand that postponement would cause considerable confusion in the trade. I shall make inquiry, in order to find what will be the most convenient course. With regard to precedents, it is true that on the last occasion additional time was given by my right hon. Friend the Member for Mid Lothian. But there were special circumstances then, and on former occasions the reduction came into operation at once. But I will make inquiry and answer the question on Thursday.