§ MR. WILLIAM RUTHERFORDI beg to ask the Secretary to the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the effect of the regulations under the Sugar Convention and sugar duties has been to drive out of business as sugar refiners comparatively small works which cannot afford to pay for at least two Customs officers to attend at their works, and that Messrs.Criddle & Co., of Liverpool, have closed their refinery; will he say whether similar regulations are now about to come into force with respect to the golden syrup business; and, if so, whether the Department will favourably consider some alteration of the regulations referred to.
§ MR. BONAR LAWSugar refineries are supervised by the Crown free of charge, and no refiner can therefore have 655 been driven out of business because of the expense entailed by the attendance of Customs officers. No regulations are about to come into force with respect to the syrup business.