§ 71. Mr. LAMBERTasked the Minister of Agriculture when he proposes to introduce legislation for levying an Excise duty on foreign malting barley; and what steps will be taken to prevent such duty raising the price of feeding barley?
§ Sir R. SANDERSI am not able at the moment to say when the proposed Bill will be introduced. The duty on imported malting barley will be collected at the brewery, distillery, or malt-house, and I do not think the price of feeding barley will be affected.
§ 76. Major RUGGLES-BRISEasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in framing any Measure dealing with the duty on imported malting barley, he will consider means whereby the screenings taken out of malting barley after delivery at the malting or brewery will be exempt from such duty, in view of the fact that they can only he used for feeding purposes?
§ Sir R. SANDERSI will note my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion for consideration in framing the proposed Bill.
§ 74. Mr. HUGHESasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he consulted the brewers regarding the proposed tax of 10s. per quarter on imported malted barley; and whether he consulted the distillers and other parties interested?
§ Mr. BALDWINThe Government did not consult either of the industries concerned in regard to the policy of a duty on imported malting barley. The discussion with the brewers was limited to the possible effect of the imposition of such a duty upon the arrangement made with them as to the immediate lowering of retail prices by 1d. a pint, following the passing of the Budget Resolution.
Captain BENNHow is it proposed to identify this barley at the place of delivery, as against home grown barley?
§ Mr. BALDWINI do not know if that arises out of the question, but I think that would be a legitimate matter for discussion on the Bill.
§ Mr. HARRISHas not the Government promised not to tax either food or raw material, and is it not both?
§ Mr. BALDWINThat depends on whether you consider beer a food.