HC Deb 25 May 1908 vol 189 c721
MR. MCARTHUR (Liverpool, Kirkdale)

To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the refusal of the Government to grant a rebate on stocks of foreign refined sugar, which were held in public stores in inland towns or at railway and steamship depots on 18th May, and upon which the old duty had compulsorily been paid, will subject the holders of these stocks to heavy losses; and whether he has made any estimate of the amount which would be required to indemnify these persons from loss in this respect.

MR. MCARTHUR

To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has received representations to the effect that the reduction of the duty on glucose manufactured in the United Kingdom will, if unaccompanied by a corresponding rebate on duty-paid stocks held on 18th May, enable foreign manufacturers, who have the option of bonding imported glucose until it is required for sale, to undersell the home-made article to the extent of the difference between the old and new duties; and what he proposes to do in the matter.

(Answered by Mr. Lloyd-George.) I am afraid that I have nothing to add to the statements which I have already made in the House on these subjects.