§ Mr. WATTasked the Under-Secretary of Slate for India, whether any consideration would be given to tobacco and cigarette dealers who had shipments of tobacco and cigarettes on the high seas before the arnouncement of the new ad valorem duties on these articles was made?
§ Mr. MONTAGUNo, Sir. Such a concession as my hon. Friend suggests would be equivalent to a bonus to the exporter at the expense of Indian revenues, of an amount equal to the additional price which he will no doubt charge to the consumer.
§ Mr. WATTIs it not usual in the imposition of taxes such as this to give goods in transit a preference?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI am informed that it is quite unusual.