§ Brigadier-General SURTEESasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his attention has been called to the fact that the tax on mineral waters is exceedingly heavy and is greater in proportion than the tax on spirits or beer, as, for instance, a tax of 25s. 8d. per cwt. is levied on sugar and 50s. per proof gallon on fruit essences and essential oils; and whether, 861W in view of the fact that the summer months are approaching and that the consumption of sweetened table waters is in no sense inimical to the public morals or health, he can see his way to such reduction as will make them more accessible to the masses of the people?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI have received representations on the subject of the duties on table waters, but I can hold out no prospect that they will be reduced.