An Humble PROPOSAL to the Honourable House of Commons, to increase his Majesties Customs upon Tabacco above 150000 l. per Annum, to be a Fund for raising Money to pay off, and clear the Transport Ships.
I. THAT 1 d. per Pound be laid on Tabacco above former Rates, paid upon Importation of Exportation thereof.
II. That all Stalks of Tabacco now stript in England, and Merchandizable, be brought to the Custom-House, and the Owners to receive 3 d. per Pound, and then the same to be burnt, by reason Stalks hinder the Consumption of Tabacco, consequently impoverish the Plantations, and lessen the Duty upon Importation as well as Exportation.
And in Case his Majesty take all damaged Tabacco into his own hands at 1 d. [...] per Pound to be burnt, that will prevent mixture of it with good Tabacco, and Frauds in Entries at the Custom-House of damaged Tabacco, when in truth the greatest part is very good and not damaged, yet pays small Duties.
- Now computing 1 d. per Pound added to the former Duties upon Importation of Tabacco, will Communibus annis amount to 70000 lib. per Ann.
- Exportation 70000 lib.
- The great Consumption of Tabacco, in cafe Stalks be suppress'd, may be modestly computed to increase the Customes more 50000 lib.
- 190000 lib.
Note, That as the Kings Customes is 6 d. per Pound, His Majesty will get 3 d. by paying 3 d. to destroy Stalks.