§ 15. Mr. CHORLTONasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can give an assurance of an early improvement in the conditions relative to the importation of Lancashire cottons into Ceylon?
§ 12. Mr. HAMMERSLEYasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make a statement in respect to the intentions of the Government of Ceylon on the question of preference to this country?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTEROn the motion of the Ceylon Government two resolutions were passed by the State Council on the 25th of May last, one approving the principle of the grant of preference to the United Kingdom and the other approving the principle of the grant, on a reciprocal basis, of preference to other Empire countries. Final preference proposals are now under consideration by the Board of Ministers, and it is hoped to bring them before the State Council very shortly, immediately after the passage of the Appropriation Bill. The importance of including in these preference proposals an adequate preference for cotton goods has already been represented to the Ceylon Government.
§ Mr. CHORLTONWill the matter he given serious attention? Will a decision be arrived at before title end of the year?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI very much hope so. I understand that what is happening is that the Appropriation Bill is going through and that measures will be taken as soon as it is passed.