§ 22. Mr. HANNONasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has any information showing the increased acreage of the cotton crop of Queensland during the past five years, and to what extent; how far Australian cotton mills have been able to deal with the local production of raw cotton; and if any financial support is given by the Imperial Government to research and experimental work in relation to cotton-growing in Australia?
§ Mr. AMERYI have not in my possession full details which would enable me to answer the first two parts of the question, but the reports available show that there was a decrease in the acreage of the cotton crop in Queensland between 1923 and 1926, which is the last year for which I have official figures. As to the last part of the question, His Majesty's Government has given no direct financial support for the purpose mentioned, but the Empire Cotton Growing Corporation, the funds of which are partly derived from an Imperial grant, is at present contributing £3,000 a year towards the cost of experimental stations in Australia.