SIR MANCHERJEE BHOWNAG-GREEI beg to ask the Secretary of State for India if he is aware that a foreign syndicate has been carrying on negotiations to obtain control of the silk industry which has been recently re-established in Kashmir under the auspices of the Durbar; whether any steps have been taken to prevent the transfer of this indigenous industry to a body of foreigners; and, if there has been any correspondence on the subject, will he place it upon the Table of the House.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Lord G. HAMILTON, Middlesex, Ealing)I believe that offers have been made to the Kashmir State, both by foreign and by English firms, to take over the silk industry of the country. The State has now decided to keep the business in its own hands. I am unable to lay any correspondence on the subject on the Table.