HC Deb 15 May 1919 vol 115 cc1738-9
10. Mr. SUGDEN

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether full facilities and support are to be afforded to a proposed commercial mission of the cotton export trade, comprising all sections of both em- ployers and employês, as also of chambers of commerce, bankers, and trade unions, not only to deal with markets, exchange rates, and shipping, but to negotiate agreements bearing on foreign concessions, labour rates in the countries visited, and British ownership of cotton plantations in such Eastern countries, and whether such negotiations being successful, his Department will, on behalf of the Foreign Office, recommend the ratification of such agreements in treaty form to the Governments of such Eastern nations concerned, and also in agreement with the Secretary of State for India, where the latter country is directly or indirectly concerned?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND (Department of Oversea Trade)

I hope that it will be possible, with the co-operation of the cotton industry, to arrange for the dispatch of a commercial mission, including representatives of the interests concerned, for the purpose of investigating the Eastern markets for cotton piece goods. Any such mission would take into account all questions appertaining to their inquiry, but it would not be practicable to give the mission authority to negotiate agreements on behalf of His Majesty's Government.

Mr. SUGDEN

May I ask what practical results will be obtained unless the agreement be ratified by treaty?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

All the representatives, both of the employers and of the unions, connected with the cotton industry in Lancashire, are of opinion that the collecting of this information will be of immense value to the Lancashire cotton industry.

Mr. SUGDEN

But what practical results will be obtained unless treaty obligations result?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

It is quite possible negotiations may come about afterwards, but it does not follow there will be treaty obligations entered into.

Mr. T. SHAW

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Lancashire people, both employers and employed, do not ask for any privileges so far as treaties are concerned?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

Certainly! That question has never been raised.