§ 67. Sir W. de FRECEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much duty is expected to be raised this year by the differential duty on China tea; whether dealers in British Empire tea have expressed any desire for the retention of the protection afforded; and if he is aware of the large profits now made in this commodity?
§ Mr. SNOWDENThe differential duty of ⅔d. per lb. on China tea is estimated to produce about £31,000 in the current financial year. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative. As regards the third part, I understand that tea-producing companies are enjoying considerable prosperity.