§ 4. Mr. DOUGLAS HACKINGasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any information showing the effect upon the Lancashire cotton industry of the Indian boycott against British goods?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMThe Indian boycott against British goods has no doubt exercised an adverse effect upon the Lancashire cotton trade, but I am not in a position to distinguish between the effect of the boycott and that of other factors which are also operating in the same direction.
§ Mr. HACKINGCan the right hon. Gentleman assure me that he is in constant and close touch with his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for India, to see whether anything can be done at any time to improve the present deplorable situation?
§ Mr. GRAHAMOh, yes; my right hon. Friend and I agree as to the deplorable position of Lancashire, and consultation between us is always in progress in regard to it. I think I can also say that I am in almost daily touch with the industry.
§ 46. Mr. HACKINGasked 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)Yes, Sir; one more consultation will take place, but, in fact, it will be published.
§ Mr. HACKINGCan the Prime Minister say when the report will be published?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIf the right hon. Gentleman will repeat the question in two days, I think I shall be able to give him a date.