HC Deb 10 May 1909 vol 4 cc1436-7
Mr. PATRICK WHITE

asked what quantity of tobacco was manufactured in, exported from, and imported into Ireland during each of the last three years?

Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE

There is no information showing the quantity of tobacco manufactured in Ireland for the last three years. The quantity imported into Ireland from foreign parts and exported to foreign parts from Ireland during each of the last three years was as follows:—

1906. 1907. 1908.
lbs. lbs. lbs.
Imports … 8,339,103 5,140,249 6,987,728
Exports … Nil. Nil. 31
These figures do not include tobacco interchanged between Ireland and Great Britain, as to which particulars are not available.

Mr. PATRICK WHITE

Can he say if there are Returns separately for Great Britain and Ireland?

Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE

There are no particulars of tobacco interchanged between Great Britain and Ireland.

Mr. J. C. FLYNN

Do the Customs keep no record of the amount of tobacco exported from Ireland to Great Britain?

Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE

My hon. Friend knows very well that is one of the difficulties with regard to the Customs which have been brought before me by hon. Members from Ireland when I was at the Board of Trade, not merely about tobacco but also about other commodities that pass between Great Britain and Ireland. I do not know that the information could be given, but, in any case, it would take considerable time, and it would not be of the slightest use for the Finance Bill.

Mr. J. C. FLYNN

Can he give the slightest information as to how the Treasury, in preparing the annual statement in July dealing with these matters, give a definite sum with regard to tobacco from Ireland, and how they can arrive at those figures unless they had some definite basis to act upon?

Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE

If the hon. Member would put a question down I shall endeavour to answer it.

Mr. WILLIAM REDMOND

Would the right hon. Gentleman be good enough, if they so desire, to receive a deputation from the Irish tobacco manufacturers in reference to the new duty?

Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE

As my hon. Friend knows very well, I have received one deputation from the tobacco manufacturers. I would be very glad to see if I possibly could find time for his friends to come.

Mr. WILLIAM REDMOND

May I ask if the right hon. Gentleman is not in error in his statement, and that the deputation he received was from the tobacco growers?

Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE

Quite right.