§ 79. Mr. MONTAGUEasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether representations have been received by the Government of India from the Associated Chambers of Commerce of India and Ceylon drawing attention to the loss which is being inflicted upon the Imperial Customs and the trade of British India by the diversion of imports of sugar, silk, matches, and other articles from Bombay, Karachi, and other ports in British India to the ports in the Kathiawar States; whether he can explain the reason of the diversion of this trade from ports under the control of the Imperial Customs services; and whether any steps are being taken by the Government of India to remedy this loss of revenue?
§ Earl WINTERTONThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the remainder I would refer to the answer given to the hon. Member for Central Southwark (Colonel Day) on 7th July. Following the failure to reach an agreement at the recent conference the Government of India have decided to reimpose the land Customs line which was removed in 1917.
§ Colonel DAYHas a full Report been received yet?
§ Earl WINTERTONNo Report has yet been received.