57. Sir J. D. REESasked whether the Government proposes to take any action in view of the proposed suspension of American cotton-spinning mills in Lancashire from 10th April to 28th April, in consequence of stagnation in the cotton trade, which is the alleged result of the restriction of exports to neutral European countries?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANMy right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I cannot share the hon. Member's view that the stagnation in the cotton trade is entirely due to the restric- 1658 tion of exports to neutral European countries. It is, however, certain that the effect of the restriction is highly detrimental to the industry and the hon. Member may rest assured that this is realised by the Government, and that the restriction will be removed by the Allied Governments as soon as removal is no longer regarded by them as seriously prejudicial to Allied interests.