HC Deb 09 June 1937 vol 324 cc1759-60
62. Sir Percy Hurd

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he has considered the harmful effect upon relations between India and Burma of the increased postal and telegraphic rates imposed by the Burma Government, especially in view of the understanding that for a period of years there should be no disturbance of existing tariffs and trade relations; and whether he will make representations to the Governments of India and Burma in the sense of the resolution recently adopted at the annual conference of the Empire Press Union, a copy of which has been submitted to him?

Major Sir George Davies (Comptroller of the Household)

I have been asked to reply. My Noble Friend has already conveyed to the Governments of India and Burma the views of the Empire Press Union concerning the increases which have been made in the postal and cable rates between India and Burma, and he proposes to send them a copy of the resolution referred to in the question. I should, however, make it plain that this is a matter within the competence of the two Governments to decide for themselves, and that their freedom in this respect is not in any way affected by the arrangements relating to tariffs and trade relations prescribed by the India and Burma (Trade Regulation) Order, 1937.

63. Sir P. Hurd

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the general desire to improve the trade and other relations between India and other parts of the Empire, he will invite the Government of India to confer as to the advantage of lowering the telegraphic Press rates which were increased in 1935, and also of admitting newsprint into India free of duty as is the practice in many countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States?

Sir G. Davies

My hon. Friend's suggestions will be brought to the notice of the Government of India.

Sir John Haslam

Will my hon. and gallant Friend add to the communication that exactly the same need arises in regard to the cotton trade as in regard to Press reports?