HC Deb 31 January 1934 vol 285 cc335-6
38. Mr. CHORLTON

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action he intends to take pending the completion of the trade negotiations between Lancashire and Japan to assist the cotton trade?

Lieut.-Colonel J. COLVILLE (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)

I hope that these negotiations will be brought to a speedy and successful conclusion, and that the question of action by the Government will therefore not arise.

Mr. HAMMERSLEY

May we take it that there is nothing in that answer which contradicts the final responsibility of the Government for dealing with these matters, and that there is no suggestion that the responsibility lies with the trade organisation?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

Yes, Sir.

Mr. LEVY

Is silk being included in these negotiations?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

Yes, Sir—artificial silk. Rayon is being included, but not real silk.

Mr. LEVY

May I ask why real silk is being left out when artificial silk is included?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

It is not possible by question and answer to go into all the details, but it has been explained that the interests of the cotton and rayon trades are being negotiated, and it was thought wise to begin with these first.

Mr. HERBERT WILLIAMS

Is it the case that the Import Duties Advisory Committee, at the request of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, suspended their investigation into the silk question pending the negotiations with Japan?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

Yes, Sir.