HC Deb 13 May 1907 vol 174 cc620-1
SIR E. SASSOON (Hythe)

I bog to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can inform the House as to whether any definite answer has been received and any decision arrived at concerning the insistence on, or the withdrawal of, the proposed tax on coal raised in the Brooketon collieries, which are being opened out and worked at a serious financial loss by the Rajah of Sarawak.

MR. CHURCHILL

No, Sir; the Question is still under consideration.

SIR E. SASSOON

May I ask my right hon. friend if he is aware that six whole months have elapsed since the reference of the matter to the Commissioner; that the harassment and uncertainty are hurtful to a struggling industry; and would he suggest to the Secretary of State the policy of the administration of ginger to the Department of the Colonial Office concerned?

MR. CHURCHILL

I will endeavour to have the matter expedited. I admit it has taken a long time.