25. Sir J. HAS LAMasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give the House the weight and value of the imports of plumbago during 1932; what proportion came from Ceylon; what duty is charged on the imports from foreign sources; and if any duty is charged on supplies received from Ceylon?
§ Dr. BURGINDuring 1932, the total imports into this country of natural plumbago amounted to 9,019 tons, of a declared value of £126,196, of which 1,196 tons valued at £13,526, were consigned from Ceylon. Duty at the rate of lo per cent. ad valorem is charged on plumbago of foreign origin on importation into this country. Plumbago from Ceylon would be eligible for admission free of duty subject to compliance with the statutory conditions of Imperial Preference.
§ Sir J. HASLAMWill my hon. Friend point out to Ceylon how impossible the present position is, seeing that they are playing fast and loose? They are trying to be inside the Empire and out of it. They must stop in or get out. They cannot have all the advantages of Imperial Preference and yet penalise our goods going into their country?
§ Dr. BURGINThat is a matter of policy which hardly comes under the Board of Trade. The question I answered was a specific question.