§ 70. Sir JOHN HASLAMasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that in 1929 Ceylon purchased from this country 31,554,000 square yards of cotton cloth, but in 1932 only 16,656,000 square yards; that during the same period we advanced our purchases of tea from Ceylon from 153,095,000 lbs. to 1344 172,302,000 lbs. and that we are the best customers for Ceylon tea; and whether he will approach the Ceylon Government with a view to the inclusion of cotton cloth in the list of commodities on which imperial preference is granted?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)I am aware of the trade position indicated by my hon. Friend. A preference of 10 per cent. on cotton piece-goods was included in the preference proposals recently submitted by the Ceylon Board of Ministers to the State Council, but this item was rejected by the Council. I at once expressed to the Governor my great concern at this omission; the text of my telegram was issued to the Press in a notice of the 6th of February, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.
§ Sir J. HASLAMWill the right hon. Gentleman continue to press this Administration and point out to them that we allow 50 per cent. in the case of tea?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI have made that position very clear already.
§ Sir J. NALLWhat steps is my right hon. Friend taking to adjust this perfectly ridiculous position in connection with Ceylon tea? Will he take steps to amend the Constitution under which this is done?