HC Deb 09 March 1910 vol 14 cc1470-1
Mr. STEEL-MAITLAND

asked under what article of the Sugar Convention Act, 1903, it is held that a charge is necessitated of Excise duty on sugar manufactured from sugar-beet grown in the United Kingdom?

Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE

Under the last paragraph of Section 2 of the Act.

Mr. STEEL-MAITLAND

asked what was the Customs Duty imposed on 88 per cent. sugar imported into the German Customs Union and France, respectively; and whether an Excise Duty on sugar was imposed in those countries equivalent to the respective duties of Customs?

Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE

In Germany the duty levied on raw sugar of all descriptions imported is 18 marks 40 pfennigs per 100 kilogs., or about 9s. 3d. per cwt. The Excise Duty on sugar is 14 marks per 100 kilogs., or about 7s. per cwt. In France raw sugar of less than 98 per cent. yield, whether manufactured in the country or imported, is subjected to consumption duty at the rate of 25 francs per 100 kilogs. of its equivalent in refined sugar, sugar yielding 88 per cent. of refined sugar being thus dutiable at the rate of 22 francs per 100 kilogs., or about 8s. 9d. per cwt. Imported raw sugar of all descriptions is subjected in addition to an import duty of 5 francs 50 centimes per 100 kilogs., or about 2s. 3d. per cwt.

Mr. STEEL-MAITLAND

Will the same obligation under the Convention attach to France and Germany as to this country in regard to the difference between the Customs and Excise Duty on sugar?

Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE

I should not like to answer a question of that character without notice.