HC Deb 15 June 1893 vol 13 cc1066-7
MR. ALBAN GIBBS (London)

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, considering that it has been the practice for some years to allow dutiable articles, when sent in in small quantities as bonâ fide samples, to be received in this country by sample post, will he explain why the Commissioners of Customs have recently demanded a strict enforcement of the law against the importation of the articles in question, free of Customs duty, in consequence of which the Post Office is about to prohibit their introduction by sample post; and whether, in view of the great convenience to trade which comes from receiving samples without delay, and the very small revenue which would be obtained from levying duties on samples, he will cause the demand of the Commissioners of Customs to be withdrawn, or, at least, will make arrangements by which importers may compound for the duty on their samples, so that they may receive them without the delays caused by the formalities of the Custom House?

SIR W. HARCOURT

It has been found necessary to enforce the law strictly in the case of samples by post. It practically only affects the tobacco trade. The Customs report to me that a trade has been established with several private persons whereby they were able to receive periodically, perhaps even daily, a supply of tobacco (principally cigarettes), through the post, duty free, the position of the recipients ranging from a high to a low social status. I can give the hon. Member a list of these private persons. It is very interesting, and strictly confidential.

MR. ALBAN GIBBS

But does this objection apply to tea? Could not some special arrangement be made for the tea trade, which is seriously inconvenienced by the prohibition against the sending of small samples by post?

SIR W. HARCOURT

Tea is very cheap in relation to its weight, while cigarettes are very dear, and it is worth while to make this economical arrangement with respect to Egyptian cigarettes, but not in regard to tea. I must ask for notice as to whether a special arrangement can be made for the tea trade.

MR. MACFARLANE

Will the right hon. Gentleman lay on the Table the names of the persons who have made this arrangement?

SIR W. HARCOURT

No, Sir.