§ 23. Sir J. Lucasasked the President of the Board of Trade if, in view of the 1939 £20,000,000 loan to Turkey, repayable in tobacco for British consumption, in 20 annual instalments, he will state if regular deliveries of the full amount have been received to date; if it is all being used by the industry or is being held up; and what percentage of our total imports this represents as compared with U.S. tobacco.
§ Sir S. CrippsRegular deliveries of the full amount of Turkish tobacco repayable under the 1939 Loan have been received. Some part of this tobacco has not so far been used. Turkish tobacco represents less than 1 per cent. of our total imports, and U.S. tobacco represents approximately 84 per cent.
§ Sir J. LucasCan the Minister say why the tobacco is not being used? Is he aware that the price is double what it was at the beginning of the war, and, therefore, we are getting half the quantity?
§ Sir S. CrippsI understand that the reason why some of it has not been used is because some people do not like to smoke Turkish tobacco.
§ Sir J. LucasBut less than one per cent. does not make that difference.
§ Mr. AustinWill the Minister consider making representations to the Chancellor of the Exchequer for a tax remission on Turkish tobacco?
§ Sir S. CrippsI am willing to consider anything.