§ 45. Mr. HAMMERSLEYasked the Prime Minister when he expects to receive the report of the sub-committee inquiring into the cotton trade?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Philip Snowden)I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister gave on Tuesday last in reply to a similar question by my hon. Friend the Member for Mossley (Mr. H. Gibson).
§ Mr. HAMMERSLEYHas the right hon. Gentleman nothing to add to the information available?
§ Mr. BOOTHBYIs the right hon. Gentleman in a position to give any approximate date when any of these reports will be received? There is another report about iron and steel.
§ Mr. SNOWDENMy right hon. Friend stated only a few days ago that the Committee are expediting their work as rapidly as possible. We realise the im- 1097 portance of this matter, and I can assure the House that there will be no unnecessary delay.
§ Mr. HACKINGHave the Government appointed a new chariman of that committee lately?
§ Mr. SNOWDENI understand that my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade was chairman for some time, but he has been called away out of the country so often that another member is acting in his place.