§ 40. Mr. CLARRYasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that certain alien importers of foreign matches are paying duty on 45 sticks to the box; that such boxes are subsequently being retailed to the public at the same price as British matches which contain a uniform 50 sticks to the box; and whether he is prepared to take any action to protect the public?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am not aware that importers of foreign matches are acting in the manner suggested, but I would point out that under Section 3 (4) of the Finance (New Duties) Act, 1916, boxes of imported matches must bear, on each box, a statement as to the minimum number of matches contained therein, or the average contents of the boxes, in any particular consignment. A prospective purchaser is by this means afforded information as to the actual number of matches in any box of imported matches purchased by him.
§ Mr. HARRISIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of these matches do not strike?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThat is a matter of which the consumer must be the judge, according to his experience.