§ 67. Mr. WATTasked the right hon. Member for East Worcestershire, as representing the War Trades Department, whether cotton yarns made in India, of 1554 counts 6's to 20's, were prohibited in March, 1916, by his Department from entry into this country; whether this Indian trade has been steadily on the increase for several years back; and whether any of the chambers of commerce of Lancashire entered any protest against this prohibition on the part of his Department?
Mr. ROBERTSMy right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The import of cotton yarn of all counts was prohibited with effect from March, 1916. Since the outbreak of War the imports of coarse yarns from India have increased. In view of the increasing scarcity of tonnage it has not been possible to licence the import of more than a small quantity of Indian yarns. It is understood that no difficulty has been created by this restriction, as similar yarns are obtainable in the United Kingdom. The interests concerned, representing both manufacturers and dealers, have been fully consulted in regard to these imports.
§ Mr. WATTAre we to understand that Lancashire does not object to the prohibition of Indian imports into this country?