§ 29. Brigadier-General Sir OWEN THOMASasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the fact that the rise in value of the rupee from Is. 4d. to 1s. 10d. has so increased the cost of production of sisal fibre and other exportable products in British East Africa that most of the plantations will now produce at a loss, he will state whether gold is a legal tender in British East Africa; and, if so, will he recommend the Government to release gold or to legalise Treasury notes in order to remedy the position?
§ Lieut.-Colonel AMERYThe whole question of exchange between British East Africa and this country is receiving careful consideration, but I am not in a position to make any statement at present.
§ Sir O. THOMASIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the depreciation of the rupee 1606 is a serious matter to men who are going out to East Africa; and why should East Africa, of all the Colonies in Africa, be subject to this rupee currency?
§ Lieut.-Colonel AMERYI am very much aware of the seriousness of the situation. It so happens that East Africa has a rupee currency, and it is not altogether easy to change such a thing at a moment's notice.