§ MR. TOULMIN (Lancashire, Bury)To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer if his attention has been drawn to the fact that large stocks of molasses under fifty degrees, which is almost entirely used for feeding purposes, are at present lying in store in the United Kingdom, upon which the duty of one shilling per hundredweight has been paid: and, if so, if the same rebate will be allowed in respect of such stocks as is to be allowed for corn in stock on 30th June.
(Answered by Mr. Ritchie.) I do not know what is the exact amount of stocks of these molasses; but as the yearly importation of all molasses containing not more than 50 per cent. of sweetening matter for whatever use is only about 600,000 cwts., I doubt if they can be very large. The circumstances of the case do not appear to me to be such as would in any way justify so exceptional a course as a rebate of duty on these stocks; and I think the unusually long period of notice, together with bonding facilities, amply meet the necessities of the situation.