HC Deb 17 June 1930 vol 240 cc8-10
14. Mr. HACKING

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is yet able to form an opinion as to the effects of the increase in the Indian cotton import duties upon the Lancashire cotton industry; and whether he can state what they are?

Mr. W. GRAHAM

In view of the fact that there are a number of influences besides the tariff affecting our trade with India, I am afraid it is impossible to form a considered estimate of the effects of the increase in the import duties on our exports of cotton piece-goods to India.

Mr. HACKING

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the trade itself is of the opinion that the import duty has a very serious effect?

Mr. GRAHAM

Yes, Sir, and as my right hon. Friend knows, I gave very great consideration to the matter, but in order to reply to his question it would be necessary that it should have a rather longer run, and there are, of course, the complications of the political difficulty to be considered.

Captain Sir WILLIAM BRASS

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration placing this point before the committee of inquiry into the cotton industry?

Mr. GRAHAM

I am afraid that particular point is too late, but the whole question of markets and the rest was undoubtedly considered by that committee.

50. Mr. HACKING

asked the Prime Minister whether he has yet reached a decision regarding the publication of the report in connection with the Government inquiry into the cotton industry?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Ramsay MacDonald)

No, Sir. His Majesty's Government have not yet had an opportunity of deciding regarding the Committee's recommendations.

Mr. HACKING

Will the right hon. Gentleman say when he will be in a position to make a statement?

The PRIME MINISTER

We are really losing no time, but there are various things to be considered and various authorities to be consulted. As soon as I am in a position to make a statement it will be made.

Mr. HACKING

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that the copies of this report are cheap, so that the poor cotton manufacturers may be able to afford to buy copies?

Mr. WARDLAW-MILNE

May I ask whether the report will be published after it has been considered?

The PRIME MINISTER

That is a matter which we are considering. In the compilation of this report, there was a good deal of freedom, a great deal of confidence, shown, and the question is whether it would be advisable in the interests of the industry itself that the report should be published.

Mr. COMPTON

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the question of publishing the report which was presented by the cotton industry to the late Government but which never reached this House?