HC Deb 24 November 1926 vol 200 cc413-4
77. Commander BELLAIRS

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make representations to the Government of Ceylon suggesting that they should lower the 2½ per cent, ad valorem import duty on British iron, steel and machinery, and 5½ per cent, ad valorem, on British cotton piece goods in return for the preference we give them on large quantities of Ceylon produce?

Mr. AMERY

General proposals for a preferential tariff in favour of British goods were rejected by the Legislative Council of Ceylon in 1921, and I do not think that there would be any advantage in re-opening the matter at the present time. If representations are made to me that any British industry is adversely affected by a particular rate of duty I will forward them to the Governor; but it should be understood that the rates are fixed by the Legislative Council, on which the unofficial members are in a majority.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Is not Ceylon one of the happy countries which has no Income Tax?