§ 75. Mr. NEEDHAMasked the President of the Board of Trade if he can state the composition of the Committee on the Growth of Cotton in the Empire and the terms of reference?
Sir A. STANLEYThe terms of reference to the Committee will be, "To investigate the best means of developing the growing of cotton within the Empire and to advise the Government as to the necessary measures to be taken for this purpose." The chairman will be Sir Henry Birchenough, who has recently acted as Chairman of the Board of Trade Committee on the position of the textile trades after the War. Sir Henry Birchenough will also represent the Board of Trade on the Committee. A statement showing the other members of the Committee and the nature of their qualifications will be printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT. They represent the various great organisations of the cotton industry, including spinners, manufacturers, merchants, and cotton operatives, together with a scientific expert and representatives of the British Cotton Growing Association, Foreign, Colonial, and India Offices, the Government of India, and the Indian cotton industry. The Governments of the self-governing Dominions in which cotton growing might be developed are being asked if they would wish to be represented on the Committee.
§ Mr. J. M. HENDERSONHow many Commissions have been appointed on this subject in the last ten years?
Sir H. DALZIELHow many Commissions is Sir Henry Birchenough chairman of—he was appointed to another only a few days ago?
§ General CROFTWill the Government proceed on the lines of the last Report, pending the lengthy discussions which will now take place?