§ 47. Mr. Dayasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether there are any British Colonies wherein British purchasers of raw materials have an advantage over foreign purchasers; and, if so, whether he will state the nature of the raw materials and what advantages accrue to British purchasers?
Mr. M. MacDonaldNo, Sir. The only apparent exception to this statement is the differential export duty on tin ore exported from Malaya to foreign countries, which has existed for many years; but these differential rates of duty are not dependent on the nationality of the purchaser. The duty does not apply to the smelted tin.
§ Mr. DayMay we, therefore, assume that foreign governments have no grounds for the statement that they have put forward that we are interfering with the buyers of raw material?
Mr. MacDonaldI am not sure what statements have been put forward by foreign governments but the position is as stated in answer to the question, and there would, therefore, be no legitimate ground of complaint.