Mr. D. WHITEasked the Secretary to the Treasury what is done in order to protect the revenue to the stems, amounting to nearly 10,000,000 pounds last year, which are stripped from tobacco leaf imported unstripped and in respect of which drawback is paid; whether they are denatured, burned, or otherwise destroyed; and, if so, what approximate quantities are subjected to these or other processes, respectively?
§ Mr. MONTAGUAll such stalks, with the exception of a quite inconsiderable proportion which has occasionally to be destroyed, are either exported or manufactured into insecticides. All these operations are conducted under strict Revenue regulations and supervision. With regard to the last part of the question I would refer the hon. Member to the last published Report of the Commissioners of Customs and Excise (Cd. 7574, pp. 51-2) which contains particulars of the quantities of stalks and the methods of disposal.