§ 34. Major PROCTERasked the President of the Board of Trade if he has received any representations in favour of measures to assist the cotton industry by the removal of credit restrictions imposed by the banks; and, if not, whether His Majesty's Government proposes to take any steps in this direction, and thus enable the cotton mills to make machinery replacements and improvements in their internal organisation?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. With regard to the second part my right hon. Friend has noted with interest the recent discussions in Lancashire on the subject of machinery replacement, but I am not clear what action my hon. and gallant Friend would suggest the Government should take.
§ Major PROCTERAm I to understand that the expert advisers of His Majesty's Government have not made representations 364 as to the evil effects on the cotton industry of the restrictions imposed by the banks?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEThe first part of my answer indicates that we have not received representaions.