HC Deb 14 March 1934 vol 287 c350
9. Sir H. CROFT

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can state what articles of importance were eliminated from the Imperial preferential tariff in Ceylon?

Mr. M. MacDONALD

The most important items excluded by the Ceylon State Council from the list of articles in respect of which the Board of Ministers in Ceylon in December, 1932, proposed that Imperial preference should be introduced were as follow: Cotton piece goods, cement, iron and steel plates and sheets and some other iron and steel products, apparel and silk and artificial silk hosiery.

Sir NAIRNE STEWART SANDEMAN

What are the Government going to do about it, in view of the situation in Lancashire?

Mr. MacDONALD

My right hon. Friend has said on several occasions what the Government have done about it, and I am afraid I cannot add anything to those answers.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Is not pottery to get a preference in Ceylon?

Mr. MacDONALD

I should require notice of that question. This is a list of those things that are excluded from preference.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Presumably, pottery from Staffordshire is admitted on preferential terms?

Mr. MacDONALD

I should require notice of that question, but, if it was admitted, it still is.