34. Mr. GODFREYLOCKER-LAMPSONasked why the Customs Import Duty on imported foreign-cut tobacco is 4s. 8d., while the drawback of duty on British-cut tobacco exported is only 4s. 1d.?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEThe differences between the Import Duties and the drawbacks allowed on similar articles manufactured in the United Kingdom have existed since the revision of the Tobacco Duties by the Manufactured Tobacco Act of 1863. The subject is a technical one, and the reasons for these differences cannot be stated within the limits of an answer to a question, but they were explained by Mr. Gladstone in this House on 23rd and 27th February and 2nd, 5th, and 19th March, 1863.
§ Mr. G. LOCKER-LAMPSONIs it not a fact that British-cut tobacco at present is really protected against foreign-cut tobacco?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEI remember that being the subject of controversy in this House, and it took about three weeks to settle it.