§ Mr. BURGOYNEasked whether, as the result of the protective duties levied on tobaccos and cigarettes imported into India, between 1,000 and 2,000 hands employed in this country are being thrown out of employment?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Buxton)I have no official information as to whether or to what extent employment has been affected by the duties levied on tobacco and cigarettes imported into India. The new duties came into operation on 25th February last.
§ Mr. BURGOYNEMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that one large London firm has during the past fortnight dismissed between sixty and seventy hands; a Liverpool firm has dismissed 300 hands; and a prominent Bristol firm—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member is giving information, and not asking for it.