§ 27. Mr. KINGasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the Government of India has recently published a Report on the glass industry, by a Mr. Oertel, the chief engineer of Assam; whether any attempt is being considered to supply by native industry the demand for glass manufactures in India; whether the glass imports into India from Germany and Austria, which amounted to £773,118 in the last year before the War, are under consideration by the India Office; and whether the suggestions of Mr. Oertel are receiving attention?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. C. Roberts)I have not seen the Report to which my hon. Friend refers, but I am aware that the question of developing the indigenous glass industry is receiving the attention of the Government of India and of local governments.
§ Mr. KINGAs very little attention seems to be given to this important matter, will some inquiry be made in India and other quarters with the object of furthering and increasing this industry in India and the Empire?
§ Mr. ROBERTSThe matter is receiving attention, and two Committees are sitting upon it at the present time.