§ 57. Mr. JESSONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why the importation of natalite is still being obstructed and why it is classified in the tariff as a spirit mixture, which makes it subject to a prohibitive import duty; and will he take steps to remove the duty, so that this proved substitute for petrol may be imported as freely as power alcohol, which, by itself, is not so suitable for internal combustion engines?
§ Mr. BALDWINIn answer to the first paragraph, I can add nothing to the answer which my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer gave to the hon. Member on the 4th instant. The question whether natalite is a spirit mixture is one of fact; there is no provision in law for the importation duty-free of spirits denatured abroad, nor, as at present advised, do I consider it desirable that such provision should be made. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.