16. Sir J. D. REESasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that native-grown tobacco in Nyasaland is poor in quality and small in quantity and that a rebate confined to producers of five tons is of no use to those who are engaged in seriously developing this valuable product in the protectorate, while an export duty of 2d. a pound cannot but prejudice this infant industry; and whether the imposition of this duty can on these grounds be reconsidered?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Lieut.-Colonel Amery)The Secretary of State has decided that the duty, which [...]s necessary for revenue purposes, must be approved, but a copy of my hon. Friend's question will be sent to the Governor for his observations.
Sir J. D. REESCan anything be done upon receipt of the copy, if the Secretary of State has already decided to approve the export duty?
§ Lieut.-Colonel AMERYIt may be possible that the duty may be varied subsequently, as the result of my hon. Friend's representation.
§ Major Earl WINTERTONIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that this duty is regarded by the whole of the tobacco growers of Nyasaland as a gross breach of faith on the part of the Imperial Government, having regard to the promise made last year that everything would be done to encourage Empire tobacco growing?
§ Lieut.-Colonel AMERYI believe everything is being done to encourage Empire tobacco growing, but it essential, in the interests of Nyasaland and of tobacco growers in other parts of the Empire, that the Colony should be solvent.
Sir J. D. REESMay I ask whether the letter I sent to the Colonial Office, showing that the rebate in no way advantages these planters, who are entirely at a loss, has been forwarded to the Governor?
§ Lieut.-Colonel AMERYI think the letter has been forwarded. If not, I will forward it.