§ 1. Mr. CHORLTONasked the President of the Board of Trade the present position of the use of Indian cotton in Lancashire; and if there is yet a definite prospect of the purchase by India of more textiles from Lancashire as the consumption of Indian cotton is increased?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Runciman)Following the Ottawa Agreement, the Lancashire Indian Cotton Committee was set up to promote the greater use of Indian cotton in this country, and I am glad to say that during the last year there has been a considerable increase in the quantities of Indian cotton imported and delivered to spinners. According to statistics published by the Liverpool Cotton Association, the deliveries of East Indian cotton to spinners in Great Britain have amounted to over 229 thousand bales since the 1st August, 1933. The deliveries for the corresponding periods in 1932–33 and 1931–32 were 143 thousand and 154 thousand bales respectively. The total imports of East Indian cotton for the same periods, as published by the association, show an even greater increase, namely, nearly 292 thousand bales in 4 1933–34 as compared with 163 thousand bales in 1932–33 and 117 thousand bales in 1931–32. As regards the second part of the question, I have no doubt that, as the use of Indian cotton in Lancashire increases, there will be an improved market for Lancashire textiles in India.
§ Mr. CHORLTONIs there any prospect of a definite progressive agreement being made which will provide for an increase in the buying of textiles by India as the consumption of Indian cotton is increased?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI must ask for notice of a question with regard to an agreement.