§ 57. Mr. Purbrickasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the f.o.b. value at country of origin of the cigars imported into this country in the two last pre-war years, respectively; and what was the amount of duty paid thereon.
§ Sir J. AndersonNo particulars are available of the f.o.b. value in the country of origin of cigars imported into this country, but in the financial years ended 31st March, 1938, and 31st March, 1939, the total declared values at importation were:
These values do not, however, represent the quantities cleared for home consumption on payment of duty since cigars may go into bond on importation and either be subsequently exported or delivered for home consumption in a later financial year. In the two years in question, the duty payments on clearances for home consumption were approximately £364,000 and £348,000.
1937–38 … … £363,682 1938–39 … … £462,111
§ Mr. PurbrickIn view of the fact that since the war an embargo has been placed on the importation of certain cigars, and the amount of duty obtained there from has been very much decreased, does my right hon. Friend view the loss of duty with complacency or will he have consultation with the President of the Board of Trade with a view to getting him to remove the embargo?
§ Sir J. AndersonI think I can safely assure my hon. Friend that there is no attitude of hostility on the part of His Majesty's Government to the importation or consumption of cigars.