§ 9. Commander BELLAIRSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that nicotine is one of the most effective insecticides used by fruit growers; whether he is aware that its use would be extended but for its present high price; whether he can state the available stocks in the country; and will he consider a recommendation to take off the duty on nicotine when used as an insecticide by agriculture?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Sir Arthur Boscawen)I have been asked to reply to this question. The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries are aware that nicotine is one of the most effective insecticides used for horticultural purposes, and that its use would probably be extended but for its present high price. They have no records of the available stocks in this country. As regards the last part of the question, I am glad to be able to inform my hon. and gallant Friend that no Import Duty is charged on solutions of nicotine which are not of the character of tobacco extracts, and similar solutions may be manufactured in this country from duty free tobacco in bonded premises, and under conditions specially approved by the Board of Customs and Excise.