EARL of RONALDSHAYasked if any attempt had been made during recent years by the Government of India, or by private individuals with the assistance of the Government of India, to cultivate a long staple cotton; and, if so, with what success and at what cost to the Government?
§ Mr. MONTAGUIn 1905 the Government of India and the British Cotton Growing Association agreed to defray the cost in equal shares of preliminary experiments conducted by a syndicate formed in Calcutta for the cultivation of a long staple cotton. These experiments have not been successful, and have now been brought to a close. The cost to the Government has been £3,660. The Agricultural Department is engaged in experiments for the improvement of the indigenous species of cotton and the introduction of exotic species, and has met with a fair amount of success. The cost of these experiments is included in the general expenditure of the Department.