HC Deb 15 April 1929 vol 227 cc76-8

Motion made, and Question proposed, That—

  1. (a) The duties of Customs charged by Section seven of the Finance Act, 192S, for a period of four years beginning on the sixteenth day of August, nineteen hundred and twenty-five, on hops and extracts, essences or other similar preparations made from hops and the additional duty of Customs charged by the said Section for the said period on beer, shall continue to be charged for a further period of four years from the date on which the aforesaid period expires, except that hop oil shall, as from the said date, cease to be chargeable with duty as a preparation made from hops and in lieu thereof a duty of Customs at the rate of twenty shillings the ounce shall be payable on hop oil during the said further period; and
  2. (b) The additional Excise drawback payable under the said Section for a period of four years beginning on the sixteenth day of November, nineteen hundred and 77 twenty-five, in respect of beer shall continue to be allowed for a further period of four years from the date on which the aforesaid period expires; and
  3. (c) Section ninety-eight of the Customs Consolidation Act, 1876 (which relates to the charging of duty on the quantity of goods ascertained by weight, measure or strength at the time of the actual delivery thereof) shall apply to hops when cleared from a warehouse for home use."—[Mr. Churchill.]

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

In view of the restricted opportunities that we are to be given, I think most improperly and unconstitionally, as announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, I must take this opportunity of asking a question which affects my constituency. It arises out of the Resolution which has just been read out. I refer to the Duty on hydro-carbon oils. As a result of over a year's experience of these duties, as we expected, grave disabilities have been imposed on those who use turpentine as a raw material in manufacture. The Financial Secretary to the Treasury will be aware that many representations during the last few weeks have been made to the Chancellor of the Exchequer on behalf of these manufacturers. I rise now to ask whether any hope can be held out of a rebate being granted on turpentine, which cannot be used in any way in internal combustion engines.

The DEPUTY-CHAIRMAN (Sir Dennis Herbert)

The hon. and gallant Member is wrong in his assumption. Hydrocarbon oils are not dealt with in the Resolution.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

I am very sorry if I am wrong. I could not clearly hear what was read out.

The DEPUTY-CHAIRMAN

The Resolution referred to hop oils. I am afraid that the hon. and gallant Member was not listening to the Resolution.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

I was listening with great attention. If I am wrong I apologise, but the opportunities for raising these matters, which are of great importance to our constituencies, are very restricted, and I have to take what chance I can.

The DEPUTY-CHAIRMAN

The hon. and gallant Member cannot deal with the subject now.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Then I pass from the subject. My final remark is to protest against the action of the Government in removing the rights of the subject, as represented in this House, to control taxation.

Question put, and agreed to.