13. Sir J. D. REESasked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the present serious position of the Indian tea-producing industries; and whether, in view of the fact that the present heavy loss on cost of production has already led to the abandonment of certain tea estates and must in the immediate future cause the abandonment of many more, and of the fact that this abandonment of a part of the. industry will lead to heavy loss of revenue in India and Great Britain, to the disbandment of largo native labour forces, and the ultimate increased price of tea to the consumer through shortage of supply, he is prepared to give such instructions as may appear advisable and feasible in order to enable the industry to tide over the present crisis?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe Viceroy is visiting Assam this month, and I will telegraph the substance of my hon. Friend's question to him.
Sir J. D. REESCan the right hon. Gentleman arrange that this case of profiteering by capitalists shall come before the newly-fledged Indian Labour party?
§ Mr. MONTAGUMy hon. Friend is using wide phrases and inviting me to a pledge which I should hesitate to give.
Sir J. D. REESDoes the right hon. Gentleman know that the tea of these capitalists is being sold in the United Kingdom at something far below the cost of production?