§ Mr. LAURENCE HARDYasked what quantity of offal tobacco or snuff is now supplied from the King's warehouses; and at what price is it sold at the present time?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe quantity of tobacco refuse deposited varies considerably from year to year. In 1910 the quantity so deposited, consisting of tobacco 1842 stalks, shorts, and offal snuff, amounted to 1,352 tons. The prices obtained vary for the different kinds of refuse and at different ports.
§ Mr. LAURENCE HARDYasked whether tobacco extract is entirely prohibited from importation into this country; and, if so, whether, in view of the increasing demand for nicotine for manufacturing purposes, the Board of Customs can admit its introduction under proper regulations?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSETobacco extracts are by law prohibited to be imported into this country, except in transit., but this prohibition is not held to apply to nicotine, which may be imported for home use.
§ Mr. LAURENCE HARDYasked how many nicotine factories are now in existence within the United Kingdom; and how many factories where the privilege of manufacturing sheep dip, etc., in bond is made use of?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThere are four bonded warehouses approved for the manufacture of nicotine. Three of these nicotine factories and four other bonded premises are approved for sheep-dip manufacture.
§ Mr. LAURENCE HARDYasked what is the present formula now demanded by the Board of Customs in connection with denaturing tobacco; and whether the Board would be willing to admit sulphur and any other matter of a curative property as an efficient alternative?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThere are various formulae, according to the use to which the tobacco is to be put, but sulphur alone is not regarded as an adequate denaturant. The Board of Customs and Excise are prepared to consider applications to vary the prescribed formulae, and, if the hon. Member is interested in the subject, perhaps he will place himself in communication with them.