HC Deb 07 November 1932 vol 270 cc8-9
9. Mr. HANNON

asked the Secretary of State for India if he is aware that material and machinery for Indian sugar factories have been ordered in Continental countries last year, and that one of the Indian delegates to the Ottawa Conference placed a contract with a Continental firm for £100,000 worth of sugar manufacturing machinery within a few days of his return to London from Ottawa; and if, in the introduction of preferential treatment of British goods into India, he will include machinery employed in the manufacture of sugar?

Sir S. HOARE

I am aware that some sugar machinery was imported into India from Continental countries last year. I have no information regarding the second part of the question. As regards the last part, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave last Monday to my hon. Friend the Member for East Bradford (Mr. J. Hepworth).

Mr. HANNON

Following on the reply which the right hon. Gentleman gave on Monday, will he take steps to impress on the Government of India the importance of giving preferential treatment to this kind of machinery?

Mr. RHYS DAVIES

Do I understand correctly that the right hon. Gentleman accepts the statement in the question that one of the delegates to the Ottawa Conference has placed with a Continental firm an order for £100,000?

Sir S. HOARE

I have said I have no information regarding the second part of the question. In reply to my hon. Friend's supplementary question. I have really nothing to add to what I have already said. This was not one of the items included in the Ottawa Agreement. I can tell him that it is the general policy of the Indian Government to admit machinery free. It is only owing to the financial emergency that a duty has been placed upon machinery. I hope that with better times we may see it removed?

Mr. HANNON

Will the right hon. Gentleman draw the attention of the Indian Government to this case?

Mr. KIRKPATRICK

Would it not assist the object in view if the Department of Overseas Trade and manufacturers of sugar-making machinery in this country were to co-operate in some way to encourage young Indians to come to this country to be trained as sugar technologists?