§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (THE MARQUESS OF ZETLAND)My Lords, I am afraid I must say one word about this Order, because it is the first time that the Order has appeared on the Paper in the form which it occupies. The object of the Order itself is quite simple. It is to maintain for the imports from Burma the same fiscal advantages which they are enjoying to-day, up to June 30, 1939. At the present time negotiations are in progress between Burma and this country for the conclusion of a trade agreement, but until that agreement is reached it is desirable that goods from Burma should enjoy the same advantages in the markets of this country as are accorded to goods from other parts of the Colonial Empire. So much for the purpose of the Order. The reason why it appears in the form in which it does is that it was essential that the Order should become operative before November 30 and since, owing to the business of Parliament, it was impossible to guarantee that the Order would secure the approval of the two Houses by that date, I acted under a provision in Section 309 of the Government of India Act, which enables the Secretary of State in such circumstances to secure the passing of the Order and to obtain the confirmation of the two Houses subsequently. It is now therefore the approval of your Lordships for the action which I have taken that I am asking.
§ Moved, That the making of the Order in pursuance of the proviso to Section 309 (1) of the Government of India Act, 1935, which was laid before the House on the 8th instant and reported from the India and Burma Orders Committee on the 15th instant, be approved.—(The Marquess of Zetland.)
§ On Question, Motion agreed to, and the making of the Order approved accordingly.
§ House adjourned at eleven minutes before seven o'clock.