HC Deb 26 June 1896 vol 42 cc149-50
SIR HOWARD VINCENT

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if, having regard to the fact that inquiries instituted by the Secretary to the Treasury have proved that considerable quantities of a dutiable article, namely, cocoa, are being imported from Germany and Holland duty free, disguised as cocoa butter, and that the Revenue is thereby prejudiced, as well as British trade and labour, he will introduce such Amendment as may be necessary in the Finance Bill, so as to put Britisher and Foreigner on the same footing?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Sir MICHAEL HICKS BEACH,) Bristol, W.

This matter affects very few persons and a very small amount of Revenue. But I think such an Amendment as is suggested should be made, if it can be done without expending an amount of time which would be disproportionate to its importance.