§ 2. Mr. HACKINGasked the Secretary of State for India whether he has anything further to report to the House regarding the increase in the Indian cotton import duties or in connection with the boycotting of Lancashire cotton goods in India?
§ Mr. BENNThe Bill providing for the new duties has been passed with the amendment stated in my reply to the hon. Member for South Kensington (Sir W. Davison) on 24th March. As regards the last part of the question, I have just heard from the Government of India that the efforts to establish a boycott of British and foreign goods have so far been mainly concentrated on cloth and have increased in intensity during the past 10 days. Some importers of cloth have given promises not to place further orders for some months, but so far few promises appear to have been given not to sell existing stocks.
§ Mr. HACKINGCan the Secretary of State take any action with regard to the latter part of the question to stop boycotting?
§ Mr. HACKINGIn the interests of the Lancashire cotton trade can he do anything to make the situation easier?
§ Mr. MILLSIs it not obvious that boycotting is one of the things that will arise out of a state of unrest?
Dr. VERNON DAVIESWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that he is a British Cabinet Minister and that he has certain duties to the people of this country?