§ Mr. ARBUTHNOTasked whether, in view of the danger to the Lancashire cotton industry arising from the increasing absorption by America of her cotton crop, the Government would grant a charter to, and guarantee the stock of a company of which the British Cotton Growing Association should form the nucleus, so as to develop the cotton-growing areas within the Empire?
Mr. BUXTONI have already stated in reply to the hon. Member the nature of the financial assistance which His Majesty's Government propose to render to the British Cotton Growing Association in the prosecution of its experiments in certain portions of the British Empire.
§ Mr. CLYNESMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he accepts the statement in the question to the effect that the shortage in cotton is due to an increased absorption in America?
Mr. BUXTONNo; I could not accept that. I thought the hon. Member was really asking for information as to the amount of financial assistance the Government propose to give, and I gave the information a few days ago.
Sir GILBERT PARKERMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will have the reply given to my hon. Friend printed with the Papers?
§ Mr. ARBUTHNOTI should like to ask whether, in view of the very large national interests involved, the right hon. Gentleman will not consider whether, over and above the question of experimental purposes, this is not a matter for State action.
Mr. BUXTONNo very definite proposals have been put before me. If any definite proposals are put before the Board of Trade, we shall carefully consider them, but so far the question has been what amount we should give to assist this association, and the Government have assisted the association in carrying out experiments.
§ Mr. SHACKLETONMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he has received any representations from the British Cotton Growing Association or any other authority in Lancashire for assistance on the lines suggested in the Question?
Mr. BUXTONNo, we have not. We have been asked to render financial assistance in the matter. I think the Treasury have given very liberal provision in order to carry out these experiments.
Sir GILBERT PARKERHave any representations been made by any bodies in Lancashire to the Government to grant facilities for the carriage of raw cotton free on the railways of Nigeria?