§ 4. Mr. FLEMINGasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that no relief is granted to British cotton goods in the duties in the recent Indian Budget; and can he say what representations he is making to the Government of India?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Runciman)The existing duties on cotton piece goods entering India, which were due to expire on the 31st March, are to be continued for a further six months pending consideration by the Government of India of the report of the Indian Tariff Board. The position is being closely watched, and I have no reason to think that the Government of India are not fully alive to the importance attached to the matter in this country.
§ Mr. FLEMINGIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that Lancashire is suffering intensely from these duties, and that unless something is done quickly there is great danger of the cotton industry collapsing entirely?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe Manchester Chamber of Commerce have put the whole case before us, and we are keeping in close touch with them throughout.