§ 17. Sir PARK GOFFasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he has any further information with regard to the Russian loan to Turkey for the erection of cotton mills in Turkey, and how far the buildings have been proceeded with; and if similar buildings are in contemplation in other countries, such as Persia and Iraq?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; and therefore it is not possible to answer the second part. With regard to the third part, I have no information that definite plans have been made for the erection of a cotton mill in Iraq. In Persia, however, several mills are understood to be in the course of equipment, but not with machinery of Soviet origin.
§ Sir P. GOFFCan the hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether the export of Russian fabrics to these countries is still continuing?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEI should require notice of that question.
§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESCan the hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether the machinery in the textile mills already constructed in Persia is of British origin?
§ Mr. HAMMERSLEYIs it not a fact that machinery has been exported from Lancashire to Persia; that the whole of the machinery from certain mills in 1618 Lancashire has been exported; and cannot steps be taken to deal with it?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEI should require notice of both those questions.