§ 1. Sir John Haslamasked the Under-Secretary of State for India what percentage of the total revenues of India was provided by Customs duties on cotton goods in the fiscal years 1911–12 and 1936–37; and what proportion of this percentage was borne on cotton goods imported from Japan and Great Britain, respectively, during each of the same Customs years?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for India (Mr. Butler)Customs duties on cotton manufacturers accounted for approximately if per cent. of the total revenues of India (Central and Provincial) in 1911–12, and for approximately 2½ per cent. in 1934–35, the latest year for which accounts figures are available. As regards the second part of the question, I regret the information is not available.
§ Sir J. HaslamWill the hon. Member use his best endeavours to set up an independent tribunal to study this question, and thereby remove what we think is the undue influence of the millowners of Bombay?
Sir Nairne Stewart SandemanCan we get some sort of provision about this duty between China and this country? It is important that we should know that.
§ Mr. ButlerThat raises rather broad matters which do not arise out of the figures I have been asked to give.
§ Sir J. HaslamThe figures are doubled. Surely something could be done in that respect?