§ 89. Mr. LOUGHasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that substantial amounts due by His Majesty's Customs in London for the repayment of drawback on tobacco to manufacturers have been held back for several months past, and that payment is still being refused of many such sums; and whether, having regard to the difficulty of financing payments owing to the rates of duty now being levied, he will undertake to see that these drawback accounts shall be cleared up at once?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Montagu)The recent increase in the tobacco drawback rates, involving special inquiry into many claims 1894 submitted, combined with the heavy and continuous increase in the number of exportations, particularly those by parcel post to the Expeditionary Forces, has led to some unavoidable delay in the full payment of claims. It is expected, however, that the outstanding balances of drawback will be paid off at an early date.