§ 42. Mr. Parkerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that approximately 16 cwts. of onion seed were incinerated in the King's Pike, Victoria Dock, at the beginning of June; and to what extent tobacco and other goods on which duty has not been paid are still being destroyed in this way instead of being used to the national advantage?
§ The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir Kingsley Wood)Yes, Sir. At the instance of the Ministry of Agriculture, the onion seed in question was destroyed, as it was worthless for the purpose for which is had been imported, and no alternative use for it could be found. As regards the second part of the Question, arrangements are in operation under which damaged or deteriorated tobacco is wherever practicable either reconditioned or delivered for use in nicotine factories; sound tobacco seized under the Customs laws is disposed of by sale or by distribution to appropriate recipients. The same principle is followed generally in regard to other goods, namely, that no goods are destroyed for which a suitable use, if necessary with remission of duty, under proper safeguards, can be found.