HC Deb 22 March 1917 vol 91 cc2077-8W
Mr. GORDON HARVEY

asked the Secretary of State for India what is the amount of the Import Duty which is paid on textile machinery entering India for use in the cotton mills; what is the amount of the Import Duty on mill stones and other requisites for the same purpose; and if there is any return of the duty on the goods arriving at the mills?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Machinery and component parts thereof imported into India for use in a cotton spinning or weav- ing mill are admitted free. Certain articles used in cotton manufacture are also on the free list, but I do not find mill stones among them. A refund of duty is not claimable on a dutiable article imported for the service of a cotton mill.

Mr. HARVEY

asked the Secretary of State for India if he will state the weight of yarns from 40's to 80's imported into India during 1916 for the manufacture of fine cloths; and what weight of counts 40's and over was spun in India during the-same year?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Figures for the calendar year 1916 are not available, but during the year ending 31st March, 1916, 7,512,000 lbs. of yarn of counts over 40's. were imported into India. In the same year 1,963,000 lbs. of yarn of these counts-were spun in the Indian mills. This represented 27 per cent. of the total weight of yarn spun.

Mr. HARVEY

asked the Secretary of State for India if he will give the name of the expert who advised him that only 2 per cent. of the output of Lancashire is in competition with India; whether this-gentleman has had any personal experience of the cotton goods market in India, either as a merchant or dealer; and if he-will state the details and particulars that were placed before him to convince him of the accuracy of the calculation?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

. No, Sir; I am, not prepared to give the information.

Mr. NEEDHAM

asked the Secretary of State for India which articles required for-the production of cotton goods in India were admitted free from Import Duty in accordance with 1916–17 Indian Budget; and what are the changes, if any, in respect of such articles arising out of the 1917–18 Indian Budget?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I cannot undertake to give a complete list of such articles, but I shall be glad to furnish the hon. Member, if he so desires, with a copy of the Tariff Schedules in force in 1916–17 which contains the information asked for. So far as I am aware no change has been made in this respect.