§ 3. Mr. HAMMERSLEYasked the Secretary of State for India whether negotiations have yet been commenced between the Government of Great Britain and the Government of India for a comprehensive trade agreement extending the principles of the Ottawa Agreement to include all textiles?
§ Sir S. HOAREThe matter is under consideration. As a first step the Government of India are seeking to obtain legislative authority for the Bombay-Lancashire Agreement. I will then consider in consultation with the Viceroy how this and other matters may be related to the Ottawa settlement.
§ Mr. HAMMERSLEYDoes the Tariff Bill introduced into the Legislative Assembly to-day, although it carries out a certain measure of agreement between the Lancashire textile representatives and the Indian millowners, in any way represent the final word of the Government of India on the representations which have been made to them by the textile delegation?
§ Sir S. HOAREThe hon. Member will see, if he refers to my answer, that I specifically state that as the first step the Government of India is seeking legislative authority for the Bombay-Lancashire Agreement. That implies that there may be subsequent discussion. I will then consider, in consultation with the Viceroy, how this and other matters may be related to the Ottawa settlement. I am conscious of the point my hon. Friend has stated.