16. Mr. R. 0DAVIESasked the Secretary of State for India whether he can make any statement as to the results of the conferences of the Lancashire textile delegation with the Indian millowners and the delegates from Japan?
§ Lieut.-Colonel J. COLVILLE (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)I have been asked to reply. As indicated in the reply which my right hon. Friend gave on 7th November, a statement of the agreement reached between the United Kingdom Textile Delegation and certain representatives of the Indian industry has already been published in the Press. A statement has also been published regarding the Anglo-Japanese textile industry conversations at Simla. The hon. Member will appreciate that while the Government took the initiative in suggesting these discussions, the arrangements for the United Kingdom Delegation were made by organisations representing the industries concerned, and further information will not be available until the delegation has reported to those organisations. The delegation returned on Saturday, 11th November, and will present its report to the Lancashire Committee on Japanese competition on Tuesday. I understand that a statement will be made to the Press on Wednesday.
Mr. DAVIESIn view of the tremendous interest that must be taken in Lancashire, particularly regarding the work of this delegation, will it be possible to secure a copy of that report otherwise than through the Press or direct from the delegation itself? Is the Government contemplating issuing a report?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEThe report is from the industrial delegation to the parent body, so I cannot answer that question.