HC Deb 27 March 1934 vol 287 c1801
56. Mr. HAMMERSLEY

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government are prepared to provide facilities for the purchase of Indian raw cotton; and, if so, upon what conditions?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I see no necessity for the Government to provide facilities for the purchase of Indian raw cotton. As I think the House is generally aware, the question of increasing the consumption of Indian cotton in this country has for some time been under the consideration of the Lancashire Indian Cotton Committee; and, as my hon. Friend himself, I believe, recently pointed out, purchases of Indian cotton by Lancashire have appreciably increased already.

Mr. HAMMERSLEY

Is there any truth in the statement which was recently publicly made that, six months ago, the right hon. Gentleman was prepared to advance the sum of £15,000,000 for the purchase of Indian raw cotton?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I have no recollection of any such offer on my part.