§ Commander BELLAIRSasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what is the average taxation imposed by the Government of Ceylon on British cotton goods, machinery, and iron and steel; and, in view of the preferential treatment given to Ceylon, can he state if any representations have been made as to the absence of any reciprocity on the part of Ceylon?
§ Mr. A. M. SAMUELThe rate of import duty levied by Ceylon on cotton piece goods is 5½ per cent.ad valorem,and that on machinery and iron and steel is 21 per cent. ad valorem,and these rates apply equally to British and foreign goods. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given by the Secretary of State for the Colonies to the hon. Member for East Toxteth (Mr. Jacob) on the 22nd March last.