§ 11. Mr. DOUGLAS HACKINGasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give any further information regarding the proposed increases in the Indian cotton duties?
§ Mr. GILLETTNo, Sir, I can add nothing to the information which was given to the House last Thursday in the reply to a question by the hon. Member for Stockport (Mr. Hammersley), of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.
§ Mr. HERBERT GIBSONWhat steps have the Government already taken in this matter?
§ Mr. GILLETTAs I said in my answer last week, the Government have already made representations to the Indian Government and pointed out the very serious effect which the new duties would have upon Lancashire, and the matter has been considered by the Indian Government, due and full regard being naturally paid to the claims of the Indian people.
§ Mr. HAMMERSLEYHas this legislation passed any of its stages in the Indian Legislature?
§ Mr. GILLETTI understand that it is still before the legislative body.
§ Mr. HAMMERSLEYAre we to take it that there is still time to make further representations on the Amendment which has been put down?
§ Mr. GILLETTThe hon. Member knows from the answer which I gave to him last week, the decision to which the Government have come on the matter, and I can add nothing.
§ Mr. HAMMERSLEYIs it not a fact that in that reply of last week the hon. Gentleman said that it was understood that the matter—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe Minister has already replied.