§ Mr. JAMES HOPEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in cases where the extra Spirit Duty of 3s. 9d. per proof gallon has been, since 4th December, paid as a deposit, such amount is being retained as a deposit or is being utilised by the Treasury for the financial exigencies of the moment; and whether, in the event of the fact that certain clearances have been made without such deposit being lodged, he will, in the event of such being passed as retroactive, demand interest since 4th December on such withheld deposit, and, if so, at what rate?
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§ Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE:The amounts deposited have been paid into the Exchequer. As regards the latter part of the question, it is not proposed to charge interest in such cases.