§ 92. Mr. HURDasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that a preference on (British-Empire goods came into force in Malta on 13th March last, and was cancelled on 22nd November; and whether he can say what are the grounds for such cancellation after a period which was satisfactory to exporters of British goods?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Lieut.-Colonel Amery)A Bill providing inter alia for preference on British Empire goods was before the Legislative Council at Malta in the spring, but the preferential clauses were not favoured by the elected members, and were dropped. I am not able to say for what period, if any, the preference was in force.
§ Lieut.-Colonel AMERYI imagine that on the introduction of a Bill the Customs officials take steps on the assumption that the Bill will be passed. If any Clause is dropped out they arrange accordingly.