§ Sir J. RANDLES(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for India is it a fact that increased duties on imports to India are imposed from to-day, following the new India Budget; and are any steps being taken or likely to be taken by which Empire goods will receive preferential treatment in India?
§ Mr. MONTAGUIncreased duties were imposed as from yesterday. Simultaneously an announcement has with my approval been made in India that a Commission will be appointed to examine, with reference to all the interests concerned, into the future fiscal policy of the Government of India, including the desirability of adopting the principle of Imperial Preference. The House will realise that no decision regarding Imperial Preference can be taken until the Commission reports.
Sir W. JOHNSON-HICKSCan we have an assurance from my right hon. Friend that he will be a whole-hearted supporter of Imperial Preference?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI am very anxious that in any fiscal arrangement devised for the Empire, India will take her place as a free partner in the British Empire following the general Imperial practice