Mr. KINGasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether new or increased taxation has been placed on kola nuts in the Gold Coast or Nigerian Colonies; and, if so, on what grounds does he justify a tax on the food and trade of the natives of these colonies?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Harcourt)There has been no recent increase in the import duties on kola nuts.
Mr. KINGWill the right hon. Gentleman assure himself that there is no intention to increase this tax, and will he take personal note of the fact that, if imposed, it would be a tax upon the food of the people and the trade of the country?
§ Mr. HARCOURTI will make every effort necessary in order to secure that we shall have no such proposal. I cannot accept the hon. Member's description of Kola as a food. I am told that it is a stimulant, and therefore aphrodisiac.