§ 34. Sir JOHN HASLAM (for Mr. HAMMERSLEY)asked the President of the Board of Trade what action he proposes to take in connection with the letter sent to him from the Federation of Master Cotton Spinners Association, Limited, inquiring why an increase from 20 per cent. to 30 per cent. in the duty on fabric gloves has been agreed to without any consultation having taken place with the federation representing the fine-spinning section of the cotton industry which supplies the great preponderance of yarns used in the manufacture of imported fabric gloves?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEThe position has been fully explained in the reply which my right hon. Friend sent a few days ago to the letter in question.
§ Sir J. HASLAMMay I ask if the hon. and gallant Gentleman has seen the statement made by the Masters' Federation that they were not consulted before the recent increase of duty; that they were consulted on the first occasion but their suggestions were turned down, and that they have not been consulted again?
§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman tell the House the explanation given to the Master Cotton Spinners' Association why they were not consulted in the first instance?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEThe letter explains in detail why His Majesty's Government decided to accept the recommendations of the Tariff Advisory Committee. Beyond that I cannot go.
§ Sir P. HARRISWould not the hon. and gallant Gentleman give to the whole House the information which was given privately, so that it will appear on the Papers?