32. Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the boycott of Zanzibar cloves by Indians continues; what financial effect it has had on the colony; and whether any recent steps have been taken by the colony to conciliate Indian opinion?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreI regret that the reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part of the question, owing to the reduction in exports there has been a shortfall in the revenue derived from the export duty on cloves, which is estimated at £30,000 for 1937. This revenue will, however, be collected in due course, when the cloves now accumulated in Zanzibar are exported. With regard to the third part of the question, the Resident is at any time open to receive for consideration any suggestions from the Indian community in Zanzibar, provided that they are compatible with the maintenance of the present system of marketing cloves which was introduced, after the fullest consideration, to protect the interests of the native growers.
Mr. Creech JonesIn view of that heavy loss of revenue, is it not possible for the Resident to initiate further representations to the Indian community with a view to getting this matter settled?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreNo, Sir. There was a prolonged inquiry by the Government and it is more for the Indian community, who have been met very generously by the Government, to put forward further suggestions. We are there to protect the interests of the native growers.