§ 42. Mr. HAMMERSLEYasked the Secretary of State for India if he is aware that the Government members of the committee dealing with the Indian Textile Protection Act, 1934, have voted against any increase in duties on Japanese cotton yarns imported into India; that cotton yarn is outside the terms of the new Indo-Japanese trading agreement, and that in consequence the proposed quota restrictions may be rendered valueless by increased importations of cotton yarn from Japan; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Butler)I have seen no report of the proceedings of the select committee of the Indian Legislative Assembly, to which I assume that my hon. Friend refers. Representations in regard to the duties on cotton yarn have been made to the Government of India on behalf of the Lancashire industry and were considered by the Government of India before the Bill was introduced. I understand that the Indian millowners have also laid their views before the Government of India at a later stage. I think my hon. Friend may rest assured that the Government of India have given careful thought to the possibility to which he refers.
§ Mr. HAMMERSLEYCould my hon. Friend say what was the result of the representations which his Department made to the Government of India on this question?
§ Mr. BUTLERMy hon Friend will have seen the Bill which was introduced, and I have said that the representations were made before the Bill was introduced.