84

it has not been effective in reducing the existing figure of the consumption of foreign tobacco in the United Kingdom, as is shown by the Board of Trade returns, from which the following figures are extracted:—

TOBACCO WITHDRAWN FROM BOND FOR CONSUMPTION

It is felt that an increase in the preference would lead to a quicker change over from foreign to Empire leaf and to a diminution in the imports of foreign tobacco. Provided there are assured markets, production can be increased and multiplied almost indefinitely. This would lead to land settlement on a considerable scale and to a large increase of Rhodesian trade with the United Kingdom and the rest of the Empire. There is a further opening for Empire tobacco in a change over from foreign to Empire leaf in the manufacture in the United Kingdom for export to British countries outside the United Kingdom particularly the Crown Colonies. The amount of leaf involved in this trade is 15 to 18 million pounds. An entrance for Empire tobacco is, therefore, sought into the Dominion and Crown Colony markets. In so far as Dominion markets are concerned, most of the Dominions are producers, though, at the same time, importers of a considerable amount of tobacco. There should, therefore, be room for the admission of Rhodesian and other Empire leaf to supplant foreign leaf importations. This would be assisted by the imposition of duties intermediate between the excise levied on the local product and the duty on foreign leaf. Effective preference for Empire tobacco is also sought from the Crown Colonies. Citrus Fruit There is an increasing production of citrus fruit in Southern Rhodesia. Production is mainly for export, the local market being of little importance. Growers are subjected to harmful competition from foreign countries, some of them with large local markets, the surplus being exported, and —it is contended — sold at cost, or, at times, less than cost of production prices. In this case a specific duty would, it is estimated, be of more value than an ad valorem duty. Maize In common with other British African countries —the Union of South Africa and Kenya—Southern Rhodesia produces a high quality flat white maize, grown largely for export. Flat white maize is used mainly, not for feeding but for industrial purposes, e.g., the manufacture of starch, glucose, etc. An extension of the market in the United Kingdom is sought— (a) By protection against imports of foreign white maize, (b) By increasing the demand for white maize in the United Kingdom by means of duties on imports of products manufactured from it. Starch for the manufacture of glucose has been specifically quoted by United Kingdom millers who favour the use of African flat white maize for this purpose. Dairy and Other Products It is sought that any advantages accorded to other Empire producers beextended to Southern Rhodesia

Preferential Preferential (Foreign) 1 lbs. lbs. 1926 116,740,000 17,880,000 1930 125,285,000 25,652,000 Increase: — Foreign Empire 8,545,000 7,772,000