§ 3. Major PROCTERasked the Secretary of State for India, why the question of the import duties on British textiles into India was not included in the Ottawa Agreements; and if he will state the present position?
§ Sir S. HOAREI am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy of the report of the Indian Delegation. The reason why they could not deal with British cotton piece goods at Ottawa is explained in paragraph 29. At the time of the Ottawa Conference the duties on these goods were under reference to the Tariff Board, and it was considered that any modification of them must be postponed until the Board had reported. The present position is that the Government of India are considering the report of the Tariff Board. The extent to which other classes of British textiles are dealt with in the Ottawa Agreement can be seen by reference to Articles 10 and 11 of the Agreement, Items 141–150 of Schedule "F," and Schedule "G."
§ Major PROCTERWill the right hon. Gentleman consider making joint representations to Japan voluntarily to reduce their dumped imports into India before public opinion in both countries demands the cancellation of the Japanese trade agreement?
§ Sir S. HOAREThe Government of India is very much alive to the urgency of the question. I will only say that in the last day or two a Bill dealing with some aspects of the question has been introduced into the Indian Assembly. But the hon. and gallant Gentleman may rest assured that we have the point of view that he has expressed very much in mind.
§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESMay we take it that the Government of India, in considering the report of the Tariff Board, will bear in mind the Lancashire textile industry?
§ Sir S. HOAREYes, certainly. It is a question that is never out of the mind of either the Government of India or the British Government.