§ Sir JOHN SPEARasked whether any, and, if so, what, proposals have been made to, or sanctioned by, the Government of India for the taxation of exports of raw jute or jute manufactures; whether it is intended that any rebate shall be allowed on raw jute shipped to Dundee or other British ports; and whether any papers on the subject will be presented to the House?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe Calcutta Improvement Act, which was enacted in August last by the Bengal Legislative Council, imposes a duty on all jute exported by sea from the port of Calcutta to any other port, whether beyond or within India, at a rate not exceeding (1) in the case of raw jute two annas (or two pence) per bale of 400 1b.; (2) in the case of manufactured jute twelve annas (or one shilling) per ton of 2,240 1b. It is proposed to levy a similar tax on raw and manufactured jute exported from Chittagong. As the duty will be paid equally on jute manufactures and on raw jute, no rebate will be made on raw jute shipped to British ports. The Secretary of State does not think it necessary to lay papers on the subject. The tax is part of a large scheme for effecting much required improvements in the City of Calcutta.