§ MR. HAROLD COXI beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that Mr. Holland, director of the Geological Survey, recently reported that a cheap supply of sulphuric acid would be the key to many industries now either non-existent in India or in a feeble condition; and whether in view of this Report, the Indian Government proposes to abolish the present tax of 5 per cent. ad valorem upon imported sulphuric acid.
§ MR. BUCHANANThe Secretary of State is aware that Mr. Holland reported that certain industries would be encouraged in India if sulphuric acid could be cheapened by being manufactured on the spot; but it does not seem probable that this result would be produced by the abolition of the 5 per cent. import duty, and I have no reason to suppose that the Government of India wish to abolish it.
§ MR. HAROLD COXMay I ask whether the advantage to the industries of India would arise from the manufacture of sulphuric acid on the spot or from its cheapness?
§ MR. BUCHANANI think the him. Member is under some misapprehension. I shall be glad to show him exactly what Mr. Holland said.
§ MR. R. DUNCANIf that taxation were remitted, would not the equivalent revenue have to be raised in another way?
§ MR. BUCHANANYes, probably that is the case.