HC Deb 14 April 1931 vol 251 cc18-9
30. Mr. HACKING

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is able to make a statement as to any improvement in the effect of the boycott in respect of the sale of Lancashire cotton goods in India since the agreement was signed by His Excellency the Viceroy and Mr. Gandhi?

31. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Secretary of State for India to what extent the boycott on British goods in certain parts of India has been raised; and whether there is now any discrimination as between British and other non-Indian goods?

The SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Wedgwood Benn)

I have no fresh information on this matter at present.

Mr. HACKING

Has the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been called to the speech made by the President of the Board of Trade last week in which he said that there was a definite improvement since the Gandhi-Irwin Treaty had been signed, and is he in agreement with that speech?

Mr. T. SNOWDEN

May I ask the Secretary of State if he is aware that the merchants and manufacturers in Lancashire and Yorkshire are deeply grateful to him for the magnificent way in which he has handled this most difficult matter?

Mr. HACKING

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer my question?

Mr. BENN

I have given the right hon. Gentleman all the information which is available on the subject, and I shall continue to give it.

Mr. HACKING

Has the Secretary of State read the speech made by his colleague, and does he agree with its terms?

Mr. A. M. SAMUEL

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the comments of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce on this matter?

Mr. BENN

Perhaps hon. and right hon. Gentlemen opposite will direct questions about that speech to the right hon. Gentleman who made it.

Sir N. STEWART SANDEMAN

Do the Government take notice of what is going on in Lancashire at this moment?

32. Mr. HACKING

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will state the total number of merchant houses in India which have given the undertaking to the agency company that they will not replace their stocks by purchases of further cotton goods from Great Britain; and the total quantity of such stocks when the undertakings were given?

Mr. BENN

I regret that I am unable to give the right hon. Member this information. I am awaiting a report from the Government of Bombay.

Mr. HACKING

If I put a question on the Order Paper, can the right hon. Gentleman say when he will be in a position to give the information?

Mr. BENN

As soon as there has been time for a communication to reach India and a reply to reach this country.

Mr. HACKING

Surely this matter is of sufficient importance to cable to India.

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