§ LORD ALWYNE COMPTON () Bedfordshire, BiggleswadeI beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the fact that band instruments for military bands, and articles of military dress, such as spurs, military sword belts, and cap lines, are taxed by the Customs Department when entering the country; and whether, in view of the fact that officers are obliged to contribute to the support of regimental bands, and that the instruments are so far State property that the State contributes towards the maintenance of these bands, which, with their taxed instruments, are essential to ceremonial parades, he will undertake to approach the Indian Government in order that such articles and all other articles imported into India for the use of military officers, provided they are for military purposes, may be exempted from taxation.
§ EARL PERCYMilitary dress and accoutrements brought into India as personal exempt from Customs duty under the regulations respecting passengers' bonâa fide luggage. I doubt whether the Government of India will be prepared to go further, but I will refer the matter to them. If indents for stores for bonâa fide regimental use are made on the Store Department at the India Office they can be supplied free of taxation.