HC Deb 20 July 1899 vol 74 cc1365-6
MR. HARWOOD (Bolton)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India if his attention has been called to the paragraph on page 126 of East India (Progress and Condition), published 7th June, 1899, in which it is stated that the Barrakur Iron Company have agreed to supply the Indian Government with 10,000 tons of castings and pig iron yearly for 10 years; that the company is in a condition to increase their output from 30,000 to 50,000 tons a year when they see an outlet; and that the quality is uniform and equal to Middlesbrough iron; has his attention been called to a statement by the chairman of the company at its annual meeting in London, to the effect that, whatever may be the movements of markets and exchange, this iron has to be supplied under a reduction in price below the average of English prices, which practically amounts to a protective duty in favour of English or Continental iron; and is it the invariable practice of the Indian Government to treat all Indian manufacturers on absolutely equal terms with British or Continental manufacturers, as ordered by paragraph 28 of Resolution 185, January, 1883; and, if not, will he explain on what grounds.

THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. BRODRICK,) Surrey, Guildford

My right hon. friend the Secretary for India has requested me to answer this question in his absence. In 1896 the Government of India, being desirous of assisting the Barrakur Iron Company, offered to place with them a contract for the supply of 10,000 tons of iron annually at a price 5 per cent. below that at which materials of similar quality could then be obtained from England, the contract to be in force for ten years. This offer was gratefully accepted by the company, as the terms were such as to give them at that time a fair margin of profit, and the certainty of steady employment for the next ten years. I am not aware whether the agreement has so far turned out advantageously for the company or not, but I consider that it was a reasonable and proper agreement for the Government of India to make at the time when they made it; and, as I have said, it was then regarded by the company as a very acceptable arrangement.