HC Deb 02 March 1931 vol 249 cc6-7
15. Sir NICHOLAS GRATTAN-DOYLE

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has any information to give the House regarding imports of cotton goods of Soviet Russian origin into India?

Mr. BENN

No, Sir, I have no information.

Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLE

May I ask whether there is any possibility of ascertaining whether Soviet Russia are exporting cotton goods into India?

Mr. BENN

I think the hon. Member is under a complete misapprehension. The imports of cotton of Soviet Russia into India are so negligible that they are not even classified.

Mr. HAMMERSLEY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how long His Majesty's Government have been privy to the proposed increase in cotton duties and whether Lancashire interests have been consulted at all?

Mr. BENN

That does not arise out of the question on the Paper.