HC Deb 16 July 1907 vol 178 cc531-2
MR. HARMOOD-BANNER (Liverpool, Everton)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether there is any effective supervision over the capitation tax levied on coolies from Chittagong on entering the province of Arracan; whether he is aware of the extra tax above the 1s. per head demanded from the coolies by the native official; and if steps can be taken to put an end to the system of taxing a man passing from one province to another, which restricts the supply of labour and is injurious to the province.

MR. MORLEY

I have no information on the subject, but will ask the Government of India to give it their consideration and to report the facts.

MR. HARMOOD-BANNER

Although the tax is only 1s., at least double that amount is squeezed by the official out of people crossing the border.

MR. MORLEY

I will inquire.