Indian and Imported Sugar.

THE reply given in the Imperial Council by the Hon. Sir George Barnes to the Hon. The Maharaja of Cossimbazar's question on Indian and imported sugar adds very little to the information available to the public in the published reports and already commented upon in these columns in connection with the Japanese co-operation in the development of Java sugar industry. Sir George stated that the estimated output of raw sugar in India for 1915-17 was 2,634,000 tons and that for 1915-16 was 2,626,000 tons. What is of assistance and value to the public at present is a statement as to the encouragement Government propose to offer for the cultivation of sugar-cane on a more extended scale. The Maharaja of Cossimbazar or the Hon. Mr. Shukal, both of whom of have interested themselves in this question, may usefully move at the Delhi Session for specific information on the necessity of affording substantial encouragement to cultivators and manufacturers.