§ Mr. H. W. FORSTER (on behalf of Sir Edward Carson)asked the Under-Secretary for India whether any arrangement has yet been come to with the Government of France as to the rates to be charged on petrol produced in British India and imported into France; and whether the French Government refuse to allow such importation on the same terms as are granted to Russia, Roumania, and the United States?
§ Mr. BUCHANANIndian petrol imported into France pays import duty according to the general tariff, whereas Russian, Roumanian, and United States petrol is admitted to the minimum rate by reason of treaty stipulations. The French Government is unwilling to admit Indian petrol to the minimum rate except in return for some special concession, and that the Indian Government does not see its way to grant.
§ Mr. H. W. FORSTERWill the hon. Gentleman lay the correspondence on the Table?
§ Mr. BUCHANANI should like to have notice of that question.
§ Mr. SMEATONIs the hon. Member aware that in all India the province of Burmah is the hardest hit by such duties on petrol, and whether it would not be wise to try and threaten retaliation upon the imported wines of France?
Sir G. PARKERDoes not the Government think that is an infringement of the most-favoured-nation clause?
§ Mr. BUCHANANNo, I do not think so.