§ 3. Major-General Sir Alfred Knoxasked the Under-Secretary of State for India what percentage of the total revenues of India was provided by Customs duties in the fiscal years 1911–12 and 1936–37?
§ Mr. ButlerCustoms duties accounted for approximately 7½ per cent. of the total revenues of India (Central and Provincial) in 1911–12, and for approximately 20½ per cent. in 1934–35, the latest year for which accounts figures are available.
§ Sir A. KnoxDoes not this large increase in Customs duties represent an increasing burden on the ryots of India, who form the bulk of the population?
§ Mr. ButlerThat is a question for the Indian Government themselves to decide.
§ Sir A. KnoxCould not we point it out to them?
§ Sir John HaslamCan the hon. Gentleman say what proportion of these Customs duties was levied on textiles?
§ Mr. ButlerThe figures which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member referred to two separate years. If the hon. Member wants to know the figures representing textiles, perhaps he will put down a question.