§ SIR ROBERT FOWLER (London)asked the Under Secretary of State for India, Whether he can give the House any information about the increase of the Salt Tax?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir JOHN GORST) (Chatham)On the 24th of December the Viceroy reported to the Secretary of State the urgent necessity of strengthening the Revenues of India, with a view to meeting increased charges under the heads of "Army in Upper Burmah," "Frontier Defences," and "Exchange." The Government of India was unanimous in urging that, in addition to the other measures which it was proposed to take, the Salt Tax should be raised. This proposal received the most serious attention of the Secretary of State in Council, with a view especially to devise some other means of meeting the increased expenditure than by raising the Salt Duty. But the Council was unanimous in agreeing with the Government of India on the absolute necessity, in the financial circumstances, of raising the duty; and the Secretary of State was compelled reluctantly to assent to the proposals of the Government of India on the 17th of January. The Salt Duty has accordingly been raised from two rupees throughout India to two rupees eight annas per maund; while in Burmah it has been raised from three annas to one rupee. So far as we have information from India, the financial measures taken have been favourably received.
§ SIR ROBERT FOWLERasked, whether the Leader of the House could give some assurance that by the earlier introduction of the Indian Budget, or by some other means, some early discussion of this subject might take place?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)said, that a Notice of an Amendment to the Address had been given which would raise this question, and the opportunity for discussion which 148 the hon. Baronet desired would thus be obtained.