§ Sir T. Hunterasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that Scotch whisky traders, who provide annually a substantial contribution to the Treasury, are suffering prohibitive losses through pilferage from their consignments for export in the dock areas, for which losses the dock authorities will accept no responsibility and which the exporters are powerless to prevent; and will he consider the remission of the very heavy Excise Duty which the traders are obliged to pay when such losses occur.
§ Sir J. AndersonI am aware that theft of spirits from export cargoes is occurring at the ports, but I am unable to accept the suggestion that the Excise Duty should be remitted in the circumstances mentioned by my hon. Friend.