§ 8. Sir J. D. REESasked the Secretary of State for India whether it is the intention of the Government of Bengal to levy 285 an Income Tax upon tea, notwithstanding the fact that this product already pays not only land revenue and Export Duty but also Import Duty in the United Kingdom; and is he aware that the Gov eminent of Bengal, when imposing the Export Duty in 1916–17, justified the tax on the ground that tea, in spite of its industrial character, had for thirty years been exempted from Income Tax?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI have no official information, but I gather from statements in the Press that the liability of Indian tea companies to be assessed to Income Tax in respect of their profits has been raised, and that the companies have addressed representations to the proper authority in India. I have no doubt that the points raised by my hon. Friend will be carefully considered.