HC Deb 24 November 1931 vol 260 cc188-9
8. Mr. HAMILTON KERR

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if, on his proposed tour through the Dominions, he will set himself to find or develop new markets for British manufactured cotton goods and communicate as soon as possible with those concerned, with a view to an early reduction of unemployment in the cotton industry?

The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)

Yes, Sir. I shall certainly lose no opportunity of endeavouring to find new markets for Britsih goods if occasion arises.

Mr. HARRIS

Will the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to get the Dominions to lower their tariffs on our goods?

Mr. THOMAS

I hope that we shall be in a position to put to them certain advantages, and I should also hope they would reciprocate.

Mr. BUCHANAN

In view of the depression in shipbuilding, is there any chance of the right hon. Gentleman getting any new ships?

Mr. REMER

Will the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to see that there is an increase in duties on foreign cotton goods going to the Dominions?

10. Mr. CLARRY

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if he will state in general terms the operative pro- posals he intends to place before the Dominions during his visit in order to effect general Empire agreement?

Mr. THOMAS

I am not yet in a position to make any definite statement on this subject.