§ 29. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has accepted the suggestion of the Kenya Government to replace the Income Tax by increasing the tax on rice from 15 per cent. to 25 per cent., on pulse from 15 per cent. to 30 per cent. and by a protective tariff of 50 per cent. on imported timber; whether the Report of the Special Committee on Reduction of Expenditure in Kenya will be published: and whether he will set up an Economy Committee for the Gold Coast and Sierra Leone?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe increases in Customs duties made by the Government of Kenya to provide the revenue expected to be obtained from Income Tax are in operation. The Governor's comments on the increases will be made by despatch. The increase on rice is as stated; on grains other than rice and wheat the increase is from 20 to 30 per cent.
I shall consider the question of publishing the Report of the Committee which the Governor has appointed to consider redaction of expenditure and other matters when I have received it. The Committees recommendations for reducing staff are communicated to the Colonial Government from time to time, and there is no question of awaiting a Report before giving effect to them.
A Committee on Economics sat last year in Sierra Leone, and many of their suggestions have been carried out. In the Gold Coast the Governor is already carrying out a policy of rigorous retrenchment. The financial position of that Colony is not so serious as to suggest that his efforts require to be supplemented.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODAm I to understand that the protective tariff of 50 per cent. on imported timber is now in effect, and that his Majesty's Government have sanctioned it?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe object of all these duties is solely to procure revenue.