HC Deb 15 June 1931 vol 253 c1407
6. Mr. REMER

asked the Secretary of State for India if in view of the injury caused to the producers of oil in Burma by the importation of cheap American and Russian oils into India and Burma, and the consequent reduction in the purchasing power of the Indian and Burmese people and the injury to British exporters to India, he will state what the Indian Government is doing to protect the interests of oil producers in Burma?

Mr. BENN

The question of safeguarding the oil industry in India against injury from the importation of cheap foreign oils was considered by the Indian Tariff Board and the Government of India in 1928 and it was decided that no action was called for. So far as I know the oil producers have not since asked the Government of India to take any action on their behalf.

Mr. REMER

Has the right hon. Gentleman read the speech of the Chairman of the Burma Oil Company?

Mr. ALPASS

Is it not a fact that, despite the importation of the oil referred to, the Burma Oil Company last year earned a dividend of approximately 35 per cent. on its ordinary shares?