§ MR. D. A. THOMASI beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can state approximately the sum accrued in the hands of the Customs at the end of July in respect of coal duty to be returned under the remission agreed to during the passage of the Finance Bill through the House of Commons; and, in view of the inconvenience and loss caused to exporters by the withdrawal of this capital from their business, will he expedite its repayment.
§ SIR M. HICKS BEACHI am afraid I have not sufficient data available to enable me to give the figures asked for. Every effort is being made to expedite the settlement of the numerous questions arising out of the contracts submitted, and directly each settlement is made steps are taken with a view to the return of the duty which has been remitted.
§ MR. D. A. THOMASWill the amount be less than a quarter of a million?
§ SIR M. HICKS BEACHI cannot say.
§ MR. RENWICK (Newcastle-on-Tyne)Will interest be paid on it?
§ SIR M. HICKS BEACHI think not.