§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Customs duties imposed and the drawbacks allowed under section two of The Finance Act, 1901 (being duties and drawbacks in respect of sugar, molasses, glucose, and saccharin), and the excise duties imposed and the drawbacks allowed on glucose and saccharin under section five of the same Act, and the allowance in respect of molasses used for food for stock under sub-section two of section one of The Revenue Act, 1903, be reduced in each case by fifty-six per cent., or as near thereto as the Treasury may determine, the reduction to take effect on and after the eighteenth day of May, nineteen hundred and eight. Provided that, as respects the duty charged on manufactured or prepared goods under section seven of The Finance Act, 1901, and the drawback allowed on any such goods in respect of which it is shown to the satisfaction of the Commissioners of Customs that the duty was paid on the sugar, molasses, glucose, or saccharin used in the manufacture or preparation at the rates now charged, the reduction shall not take effect until the first day 550 of July, nineteen hundred and eight."—(Mr. Asquith.)
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINI asked the Prime Minister at an earlier stage whether it was necessary to take this Resolution to-night. Of course, if he assures me it really is necessary I cannot press him, but it is a very complicated Resolution, and it raises sundry questions of principle as well as minor questions of detail which perhaps might be dealt with later. I press him in no unfriendly spirit, and he will not complain of the spirit in which he has been met to-night in any quarter of the House. Unless it is absolutely necessary to take it to-night I would press him to postpone this Resolution to a later day.
§ MR. ASQUITHI would gladly accede to the request, but it is necessary for the purpose of the drawback. Full opportunity will be afforded for the discussions of general principles on the debate on the Income-tax Resolution.
§ MR. CHARLES MCARTHURsaid he had been asked to put a very pressing question to the Chancellor of the Exchequer with regard to sugar. It had been brought to his knowledge that a large quantity of sugar had arrived in the country in the last few days or weeks, and they had not been able to obtain bond accommodation. Accordingly the duty had had to be paid for the sugar, and it was now in the warehouses awaiting sale, and it would be impossible if the Resolution was passed to sell the sugar without allowing the amount of the reduction in duty which loss they would consequently have to bear themselves unless some provision was made for it in the Finance Act. He asked whether provision would be made to indemnify the owners.
§ MR. ASQUITHThese are incidents which always occur when there is a 551 sudden change in the duty. I can assure the hon. Member that I will consider it in consultation with the Chancellor of the Exchequer and that we will do our best.
§ Question put, and agreed to.