MR. GIBSON BOWLESI beg to ask the Postmaster General, as representing the Secretary of State for the Colonies, 493 can he state the effect of the law in the Australian Commonwealth with reference to public loans or guarantees relating to sugar manufactures or refineries, or to rebates on sugar grown within the Common wealth, and also with reference to fiscal advantages of any other kinds granted thereby to growers or manufacturers of sugar; and will he inquire as to the communication made by the Premier of New South Wales, protesting against New South Wales having to bear the cost of a rebate on sugar, and lay upon the Table the text of that communication.
MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLINThe laws of Queensland and Victoria authorise the Governments of those States to make advances under clearly defined conditions to sugar manufacturers for establishing and improving sugar works. No other fiscal advantages are granted. Copies of the laws can be supplied to the hon. Member if he desires it. With regard to rebates on sugar grown within the Commonwealth, all such sugar, in the production of which only white labour is employed, is entitled to a rebate of 2s. per cwt. of the Excise duty, which is 3s. per cwt. I will inquire as to the communication made by the Premier of New South Wales, to which the hon. Member refers.