§ MR. LAMBERT (Devon, South Molton)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether, subsequent to the large importations of German sugar into India in the year 1897–8, the average price of sugar in India fell; and, if so, by how much; and whether the German sugar so imported is sold at a greater or at a less price than other imported sugar or than sugar produced locally?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIAThe falling off in prices during the last three years at Cawnpore (which is the largest market in Upper India) was stated by Sir James Westland at about 12½ per cent. The figures contained in the papers, which will, I hope, be distributed in about a fortnight, appear to bear out this statement. According to the statistics in my possession, German refined sugar appears to fetch about the same price as Indian sugar, and a higher price than other imported sugar.