HC Deb 24 April 1902 vol 106 cc1186-7
MR. LOUGH (Islington, W.)

I beg, to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will explain why the list of articles subject to the new corn duty which has been laid upon the Table of the House does not include all those which were originally posted at the Custom House; and whether he will also publish a list of commodities which are liable to duty because of their ingredients, and the rate of duty to be levied on each.

* The CHANCELLOR OF the EXCHEQUER (Sir M. HICKS BEACH,) Bristol, W.

The list of articles subject to the new corn duty laid on the Table of the House covers all those named in the list posted at the Custom House. Only unnecessary verbiage has been omitted. It is not practicable to prepare a complete list of specific commodities which will be liable to the new duty on importation because of their ingredients; but lists of this kind will be issued from time to time as experience is obtained.

MR. KEARLEY

Did the original list in the customs indicate "dextrine" and "Mandioca flour?"

* SIR M. HICKS BEACH

It indicated "Mandioca flour."

MR. LOUGH

Would it not be better, even if the list were slightly unaccurate, to issue as complete a one as possible as quickly as possible?

* SIR M. HICKS BEACH

It will be done.

MR. SYDNEY BUXTON (Tower Hamlets, Poplar)

Has not the right hon. Gentleman promised to lay on the Table of the House a copy of the list issued to the Customs House?

* SIR M. HICKS BEACH

Yes and this is the list exclusive of unnecessary verbiage.

MR. SYDNEY BUXTON

May we have the unnecessary verbiage. It would place us in a better position for estimating the number of new duties.