§ 16. Brigadier - General Sir HENRY CROFTasked the Secretary of State for India whether any representations have been made to the Government of India to the effect that if increased customs duties are necessary preference should be extended to British goods over those of foreign competitors?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. W. R. Smith)I have been asked to reply. No representations have been made other than those which I described in my reply to the hon. and learned Member for Moss Side and the hon. and gallant Member for Clitheroe on 4th March. The hon. and gallant Member is no doubt aware that British cotton goods already enjoy in India the advantage of lower customs duties than those applicable to similar foreign goods. This advantage they will continue to enjoy.
§ Sir H. CROFTDo I understand that when those proposals were submitted to the Secretary of State no representations were made to see that the increased duties should have preferential effect with regard to Britain?
§ Mr. SMITHI do not think that I can add anything to the reply which I gave the other day when I stated that the whole position was represented to the Indian Government and emphasis laid upon the great anxiety that exists in this country with regard to it.
§ Sir H. CROFTHave any efforts been made to see that British goods at least shall receive priority over foreign goods—[Interruption.] It is a very vital question.