§ SIR MANCHERJEE BHOWNAGGREEI beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that by Order No. 57, 1901, of the Board of Customs, it is proposed to impose a duty of 2s. per cwt. on imported chutnies by reason of their containing a certain percentage of sugar. and that this rate of duty is equal to almost double the rate payable on the average proportion of sugar found on analysis to be contained in the different varieties of chutnies; and whether, under these circumstances, he will take steps to rectify the said order and prevent the overcharge of duty.
§ SIR M. HICKS BEACHThe rate of 2s. per cwt. on chutney is certainly not correctly described as almost double the rate payable on the average proportion of sugar in the article. It has been 432 fixed on the results of the analysis of a large number of samples, as being no more than sufficient for the due protection of the Revenue. It is not necessarily final; but, pending further experience, I am not prepared to reduce it.
§ SIR MANCHERJEE BHOWNAGGREEIs it not the case that one of the greatest importing firms of Indian condiments had an analysis made and furnished to the Board of Customs which bore out the figures stated in the question?
§ SIR M. HICKS BEACHIt may be they do import an article containing very little sugar, but we are bound to take the average for the whole trade.