§ MR. F. E. SMITHTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs under what authority the Likin Duty at Moukden upon goods has been increased from one to five per cent; and whether His Majesty's Government has assented to the increase?
(Answered by Secretary Sir Edward Grey.) The hon. Member no doubt refers to the tax on the sale of cigarettes, amounting to about five per cent., which retail dealers in tobacco have to pay. It was imposed by the Chinese Administration at Mukden. Likin is an eternal tax to which the assent of His Majesty's Government is not required, and with regard to which they cannot intervene unless there is any discrimination against British goods.