§ Mr. GILLISasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, since the imposition of export duties upon the export of raw cotton from Uganda, the output by the native producers has decreased or increased; and whether the present export duty represents a burden of 25 per cent. upon the actual value of the raw staple?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLSince the imposition of this duty in 1919 the export of cotton from Uganda has increased very considerably; in 1919 approximately 36,530 bales of 400 lbs. each were exported, in 1920 52,186, and in 1921 over 82,000 bales. It is estimated that there will be a substantial reduction in the export for 1922, but this is for the most part due to the extremely unfavourable weather conditions that have prevailed throughout the country. With regard to the last part of! the question, on the average price paid to growers last season the duty amounts to a. considerably smaller percentage of the actual value of the raw product- than that mentioned, but with the return to more normal prices the question of the reduction of the duty is being carefuly considered.