§ 36. Mr. LOGANasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that Customs Duty has been charged in some instances on shamrock sent from the Irish Free State by post to residents in London for wear on St. Patrick's Day, namely, 2d. on a small packet, together with 6d. Post Office fee for clearance; that in other instances shamrock from the Irish Free State was delivered by post in London without any demand being made for duty or fee; and whether he will say under what Statute was duty chargeable on shamrock, and why was it not charged on all imports of shamrock?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINShamrock is liable to duty under the Import Duties Act, 1932, and the Additional Import Duties (No. 5) Order, 1932, made under the Act. If the hon. Member will give me particulars of the instances to which he refers where no duty was charged, I will have inquiry made and let him know the result.
§ Mr. LOGANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the old song may now read:
They are taxing men and women for the wearing o' the Green.
§ Mr. BURNETTWill the right hon. Gentleman point out that the shamrock is very well grown in Northern Ireland?