§ General Sir IVOR PHILIPPSasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether substantial quantities of Java and Sumatra tea were contracted for or shipped to this country at the direct instance of the Ministry of Food prior to the date of the Budget; and whether these consignments of tea are to be penalised to the extent of 2d. per lb. in duty, in view of the special circumstances under which they are being imported, or are to be allowed to pass the Customs at the same rate of duty as Indian and Ceylon tea?
§ Mr. BALDWINMy right hon. Friend has given careful consideration to the representations which have been made to him on this subject, but he regrets that he cannot see his way to make an exception in favour of these consignments from payment of duty at the rate imposed by the Budget Resolution on all foreign tea.