§ Sir R. ADKINSasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if his attention has been drawn to the protests made by the representative bodies in Uganda against the increase in Customs duties; and whether, in view of the fact that Uganda is solvent and requires no increase in taxation, and that the projected increase will, in the opinion of those concerned, hinder the development of the country and greatly augment the cost of living to all classes, Native and European, he will concur with the wishes of the Uganda Protectorate?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREThe Kenya increases of duty were, with some adjustments, accepted by the Government of 3219W Uganda, but as a result of representations made in Uganda, further discussion took place. It has been decided to adopt the modified Kenya tariff for the present, but the matter will be further examined. I have seen no attempt to estimate, in increased cost to the consumer, the effect of the tariff changes to which objection is taken. They appear to be those arising from certain changes from ad valorem to 3220W specific duties recommended by a conference of Customs officers, held at the beginning of 1922, over which the Trade Commissioner for East Africa presided. The specific duties were fixed so as to be equivalent to the existing duties at the values then prevailing, and if any hardship exists it is due to the fact that those values, and, therefore, the cost of living, have fallen during the year.