§ MR. PIRIEI beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that a consignment of peppermint creams, imported from America via Glasgow for a firm in Aberdeen, has been detained by the Customs inspectors in Glasgow since about 15th April in order that a sample should be sent to Somerset House, so that the proportion of sugar on which duty would have to be paid 251 might be ascertained; that the firm in question has requested leave to pay full duty and take afterwards what rebate might be given, so as to secure delivery of the goods, but this request has been refused; and, in view of the fact that in the meanwhile the firm is being put to considerable loss from its being unable to fulfil its orders, the deterioration of the goods, and the locking up of their money value, he will give instructions which will meet this or similar cases in future.
§ SIR M. HICKS BEACHI am afraid it is quite impossible for me to answer a question of this sort, which obviously involves local inquiries, without longer notice than the hon. Member has given me. I will make inquiry and communicate with the hon. Member.