§ MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN (Kilkenny)I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of complaints being made that the usual rebate of excise duty was not allowed on consigments of tobacco sent from Dublin to the troops in South Africa; whether he can explain the reason; and will he see that the amount of the rebate claimed is refunded.
§ *SIR M. HICKS BEACHNo complaints have been received as to the nonpayment of drawback on British manufactured tobacco exported, except with regard to certain shipments by one firm, the particulars of which have been communicated to me by the hon. Member. Before any drawback can be paid the law requires that the shipment and exportation of the goods shall be duly certified by the export officer. In the case now under reply the tobacco was removed under bond by a firm of licensed tobacco, manufacturers at Dublin to Southampton, 911 for shipment for the troops in South Africa, but it was not produced to the officers of Customs at Southampton prior to shipment at that port, and the Board of Customs were consequently unable to sanction payment of drawback. They have informed the firm that on receipt of local evidence from Southampton as to the shipment of the case and of an official certificate of the landing of the tobacco in South Africa, they would further consider the question. No such evidence or certificate has yet been produced, but the Board are awaiting a further communication from the firm.