§ MR. WILLOX (Liverpool, Everton)(1) I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is lawful to import into this country tobacco of foreign manufacture artificially sweetened; and (2) whether British manufacturers are permitted to use sweetening matter in the manufacture of tobacco for home consumption?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Sir W. HARCOURT,) Derby(1) Yes; sweetened cavendish and negrohead can be imported, but must be enclosed in a Customs' wrapper and an Import Duty paid; (2) Yes; in the manufacture of the above-mentioned tobacco. The operation has to be carried out under bond, and duty is charged on the finished article, which must be enclosed in a Customs' wrapper. I do not know whether without offence I might ask that in cases of this kind, not of urgent importance, gentlemen would give a day or two's notice of their questions. It is very difficult when notice is only given the night before to obtain the information required. That is the reason, perhaps, why we are obliged to ask to have some of the questions postponed. I have been able in this case, at great pains, to get the information. I am only asking that indulgence for the future.