§ MR. T. L. CORBETT (Down, N.)To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that discrimination is being made against British-made cigarettes at Antung, in Manchuria, upon which a Customs duty of 3½ per cent. is levied in addition to a tribute of 1¾ per cent., whilst no duty or tribute is levied upon the cigarettes manufactured by the Japanese Government Tobacco Monopoly, which are being freely sold by the monopoly agents; and whether he will take immediate steps with a view to placing the goods of both nationals on the same footing.
(Answered by Secretary Sir Edward Grey.) We have received no official information that such discrimination is going on. I shall be obliged if the hon. Gentleman will supply me with all the information at his disposal, so that inquiry can be made into the matter.
§ MR. T. L. CORBETTTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Customs and Likin duties are imposed upon British-made cigarettes in Manchuria, whilst no Customs or Likin duties are imposed upon the cigarettes manufactured by the Japanese Government Tobacco Monopoly; and whether he will take steps with a view to establishing the same duties upon the goods of both nationals.
(Answered by Secretary Sir Edward Grey.) We are not aware that discrimination as regards Customs duty or Likin is being made between British and Japanese cigarettes; but, as the evacuation of Manchuria is not yet complete, Likin would presumably not be paid upon tobacco imported for the use of the Japanese soldiers.