§ 63. Mr. R. YOUNGasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the estimated gain to the consumers of the country on tea, sugar, and tobacco grown within the Empire as a result of the reduction of the Customs duties on the commodities?
§ Mr. BALDWINPreference is only one of many factors that have to be taken in account in investigating fluctuations of prices, and for this reason it would be at all times extremely difficult to trace the exact effect of Preference in retail prices. In any case, there has not been sufficient experience of the working of Preference to enable my right hon. Friend the Chan- 1839 cellor of the Exchequer to make such an estimate as the hon. Member desires.
§ Earl WINTERTONIs the hon. Gentleman aware that, as a result of Preference in a great part of those areas, tobacco has been planted in Rhodesia, Nyasaland, and other parts of Africa, the full effect of which will not be felt for two or three years?