§ SIR WILLIAM H. WILLS (Bristol, E.)I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered the Resolution passed at the meeting convened by the London Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday last, and attended by leading representatives of the tobacco manufacturers; and whether he can now state the conditions under which rebate will be allowed on tobacco cleared for other classes of manufacture than cigars and roll?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Sir M. HICKS BEACH,) Bristol, W.I have considered the Resolution referred to, and I have decided to allow a 1550 rebate of 6d. per lb. for the whole period from April 22nd to May 15th inclusive on tobacco cleared for manufacture of snuff (other than what is known as "offal" snuff), in addition to that cleared for manufacture of cigars and roll, and to extend this concession to all leaf tobacco cleared between May 6th and May 15th inclusive. In every case deductions from the total amount cleared will be made, on the scale adopted in 1887, in respect of stalks and smalls, which will be able to obtain drawback at the old rate up to May 15th. But such deductions will cease on and after May 11th. Instructions as to the formalities to be observed in claiming rebate will be issued by the Commissioners of Inland Revenue. I cannot entertain the proposal to place foreign cigarettes on the same footing as foreign cigars.