§ MR. JOYNSON-HICKS (Manchester, N.W.)I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the duty of 1s. each recently imposed on animal traps imported into Lagos; whether he is aware that this duty was imposed without the slightest notice being 745 given, and that large quantities of traps manufactured in Lancashire were actually on the sea at the time such tax was imposed; and whether he will take steps to secure the reduction of this duty, which is about 200 per cent. of the value of the articles, at all events in respect of those consignments which were dispatched, from England before the notification of the duty was promulgated.
§ COLONEL SEELYThe duty of 1s. each on iron-toothed spring traps imported into Southern Nigeria was imposed not to raise revenue, but to check the importation of the traps, owing to the cruelty attending their use to which the attention of the Governor had been called. It is reported for instance, that round Ibadan probably from 40 to 50 per cent. of the bush-fowl shot have only one leg, the other having been torn off in a trap. I do not know what quantities of traps were actually on the sea at the time when the duty was imposed. It was imposed without notice in accordance with the usual practice, and I am afraid that it would now be impracticable to allow any traps to come in at a reduced rate of duty.
§ MR. JOYNSON-HICKSIf representations are received from the British Consul on the subject will they be considered?
§ COLONEL SEELYI must remind the hon. Member that 40 to 50 per cent. of the bush-fowl shot are found to have only one leg, and that is a serious matter.
§ MR. JOYNSON-HICKSAre the traps not largely used for rats?
§ MR. MARKHAM (Nottinghamshire, Mansfield)was understood to ask if like restrictions could not be placed on imports of gin.
§ COLONEL SEELYThat shall be considered.