HC Deb 18 July 1910 vol 19 c860
Mr. HUNT

asked the Secretary to the Treasury what would be the Import Duty paid to the Government out of £100 worth of raw tobacco of the value of a halfpenny per ounce; and what would be the Import Duty paid to the Government out of £100 worth of cigars of the value of £6 5s. per pound?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Hobhouse)

Assuming that by "£100 worth" is meant "£100 worth duty paid," and that the prices given are import values, the amount of duty included in £100 worth of duty-paid tobacco of an import value of ½d. per ounce would be £84 12s. 3d., and the amount included in £100 worth of duty-paid cigars of an import value of £6 5s. per pound would be £5 6s. The hon. Member will no doubt observe that the tax upon tobacco as compared with cigars maintains the same proportion as it has done for the last six years.

Mr. HUNT

Is this a sample of Free Trade taxation in favour of the working people?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

As I have endeavoured to point out, it is a sample of the finances of the right hon. Gentleman the Member for East Worcestershire (Mr. Austen Chamberlain).

Mr. JOHN WARD

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether the consumer pays those import duties?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

We have not had any representation from the exporting foreigner that he pays it.