§ 49. Mr. LEWISasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the percentage increase or decrease in the taxation of tea in 1931–32 as compared with 1913–14?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe rate of duty on tea in the year 1913–1914 was 5d. per lb. The Tea Duty was repealed as from the 22nd April, 1929, and no duty was in force on tea in the year 1931–1932. The present duty of 4d. per lb. on non-Empire tea and 2d. per lb. on Empire tea was imposed in the current financial year under the Finance Act, 1932.
§ Mr. LEWISWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind the great disparity between the taxation of tea and other stimulants?
Viscountess ASTORWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that people do not do ridiculous things and go to prison for drinking tea?