§ Mr. RILEYasked the Under-Secretary of State for India what was the total 1289W cost of the Indian Economic Inquiry Committee and the Taxation Inquiry Committee; and what steps have been taken by the Government of India with regard to the recommendations of these Committees?
§ Earl WINTERTONThe estimated cost of the Indian Economic Inquiry Committee was £7,680 and of the Taxation Inquiry Committee £33,500. The Government of India have been in communication with the Provincial Governments on the recommendations of the former Committee, and the replies are now under their consideration. As regards the recommendations of the Taxation Inquiry Committee, the Cotton Excise Duty and export duty on tea have been abolished, the import duty on motor cars has been reduced, and the import duty on unmanufactured tobacco has been raised. A Bill is at present before the Indian Legislature to amend the law relating to refunds of Indian Income Tax to non-residents. The Government of India also proposed to abolish the export duty on hides, but this was negatived by the Indian Legislature. Other matters arising from the Report are under consideration.