§ Mr. LESLIE SCOTTasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can see his way to withdraw the Excise Duty of 38s. 6d. per cwt. on chicory grown and dried in the United Kingdom, in view of the fact that this duty precludes the growing of chicory in this country on terms which enable it to compete with imported produce?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe information in my possession does not bear out the suggestion that chicory cannot be grown in this country on terms which enable it to compete with imported produce. I do not see my way to abolish the Excise Duty, but, should my proposals for granting Imperial Preference be accepted; that duty will, in correspondence with the duty on chicory imported from British Possessions, be substantially reduced. Details will be given in the the Finance Bill.