§ 23. Mr. SUTCLIFFEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether any of the recent trade agreements which have been concluded between this country and Other nations have yet resulted in improved exports of British cotton textiles; and, if so, to what extent?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANNew Trade Agreements with Denmark, Iceland. Norway and Sweden came into force at various 12 dates in June and July. Although it is too early as yet to measure the effect of these agreements on particular trades it is satisfactory to note that our exports of cotton piece goods to each of the countries concerned were substantially greater in the three months July to September than in the corresponding period of last year.
§ Mr. SUTCLIFFEIn any future negotiations will my right hon. Friend keep in view the very serious state of the cotton trade?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANYes, Sir, certainly.
§ 39. Mr. SUTCLIFFEasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any British Colonies have, since July, given increased preference to British cotton textiles and, if so, whether he will give the details?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)No increased preference for British cotton textiles have come into operation in the Colonies since July, with the exception of a preference of 12½ per cent. forming part of a new general system of preference in St. Helena.