34
HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
felt it a hardship by dealers and retailers in shoving up prices in anticipation of the operation of the new scale of taxes. With only very few exceptions among the largest stores, store-keepers, both in Hong Kong and Kowloon, have raised prices to make them inclusive of the new duties which do not come into operation until passed by this Council.
H.E. THE GOVERNOR.-If I might correct you at this point, the increase in the duties has already taken effect.
HON. MR. BRAGA.-Yes, but somehow or other, even before, they had apparently anticipated the duties, and when consumers went into the stores the extra cost was put on to the old price. The only suggestion that has been submitted to me is that a distinctive form of label might be adopted by the Imports and Exports Office, making the new charges for the wine or tobacco as the case may be, as distinct from the wine and tobacco taken out of bond before the coming into operation of the new rates. I think this is a suggestion which might commend itself to the Government, and if it receives Your Excellency's approval, I submit it very respectfully for the consideration of the Government.
H.E. THE GOVERNOR.-I have seen the suggestion already made in the papers, but I think it is quite an impracticable one. So far as this operation is concerned the higher rates took effect upon the issue of the Orders which were published a week ago to-day. I do not think it would be at all practicable to carry out such a proposal in future, as to issue such labels would show the hand of the Govern- ment from the very start and cause a large withdrawal of stocks from bond and so defeat the object for which the Orders are made. I am afraid I do not consider it practicable for future occasions, just as it has been impossible to do it on this.
HON. MR. BRAGA.-I should like to make the point that wines bearing old labels should not be surcharged with the extra duty such as is happening to-day.
H.E. THE GOVERNOR.-I think that what is going on is just the usual course. It always happens. The raising of duties must take effect and dealers must protect themselves at once. They will probably find themselves in a corresponding position on a future occasion when the duty is dropped or raised again. I am afraid I am quite unable to accept the suggestion.
The motion was agreed to.
Tobacco Duties.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY.-I beg formally to move the second resolution, covering tobacco duties, standing in my name:
414
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.