HC Deb 25 April 1928 vol 216 cc909-10
36. Sir W. LANE MITCHELL

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how the revenues of the Malay Native States and also the Federated Malay. States will be affected if the price of rubber remains in the neighbourhood of 8d. or less?

Mr. AMERY

The answer to this question depends upon a variety wt conditions, such as the increase of the export of rubber which may be anticipated, and-it is really impossible to give a reply which would be more than guesswork.

Sir W. LANE MITCHELL

If the restrictions are automatically withdrawn, will you not be in the same position in which you were before the restrictions were put on, and in that case, if rubber does not reach 1s. 3d. per lb. the Native States get no revenue?

Mr. AMERY

I am not sure that the position will necessarily be the same as it was before.

Major-General Sir ROBERT HUTCHISON

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is the intention of the Malay Government to carry on the two cents of tax on the export of rubber?

Mr. AMERY

I have not been informed of any intention to get rid of that tax.