§ 5. Brigadier-General Sir HENRY CROFTasked the Secretary of State for India whether the new Customs duties in India were submitted to him; and whether he took any steps to recommend that they should be raised to a greater extent upon foreign goods than upon those from Lancashire?
§ Mr. BENNI have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. Member on the 9th March by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade.
§ Sir H. CROFTMay I ask whether the proposed new duties were not submitted to him, and also whether representations were made to see that an advantage was given to Lancashire cotton goods, even assuming that an increased revenue ought to be raised?
Sir NAIRNE STEWART SANDEMANCannot the Secretary of State put an extra duty on Japanese cotton goods going into India and so give Lancashire a preference?
§ Mr. BENNThe hon. Member does not seem to be aware of the terms under which we work. They are strictly governed by the Tariff Autonomy Convention.
§ Sir H. CROFTIs it not a fact that these duties are submitted to the Secretary of State in advance and that he has an opportunity of making representations?
§ Mr. BENNIt is perfectly true to say that the Budget proposals come to the India Office, but it is equally true to say that my action is governed by the terms of the Convention.
Sir N. STEWART SANDEMANDoes not the right hon. Gentleman realise the critical position in Lancashire?
§ Mr. SPEAKERIt is no good asking the same question over and over again.
§ 74. Mr. HACKINGasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has anything to report to the House as a result of the deputation from the Master Cotton Spinners' Federation and the Cotton Spinners and Manufacturers' Association, which recently waited upon him to discuss the question of the import of cotton goods into India?
§ Mr. GILLETT (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)My right hon. Friend accompanied by the Secretary of State for India, received the deputation on Friday last, when the present situation of the cotton industry in this country was considered, and there was a useful exchange of views as to the prospects of trade with India. As the proceedings were confidential, it is impossible to give more detailed information.
§ Mr. HACKINGWill the hon. Member say whether, in view of the information that was given to the President of the Board of Trade by the deputation, he is able to show any practical steps to help the cotton industry so far as India is concerned?
§ Mr. GILLETTI must ask the right hon. Gentleman to give notice of that question.