§ Sir WILLIAM BYLESasked if there is any possibility of the Indian indigo industry being revived; can he say what annual average value the sales have been in the past, i.e., before 1898; have they been worth more in money value to the Empire than all the coal-tar colours this country uses put together; and is there anyone within or advising the Department who really understands the position of this valuable industry?
Mr. ROBERTSAs regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a question asked by the hon. Member for East Nottingham on 5th July last. The average value of indigo exports from India in the five years ending 1896–7 was about £3,000,000 a year, but I am afraid that I am not in a position to make the comparison suggested by the hon. Member. An indigo research branch under a competent chemist has been constituted in the Indian Agricultural Department, and its investigations are examined and criticised by a small expert Committee which the Secretary of State has appointed in this country. The Committee includes an eminent chemist and representatives of the planting interests and dye users.