§ 47. Mr. HALL-CAINEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, before proceeding with the Cotton Industry Bill, which proposes to reduce the existing number of spindles in this country to the amount required to serve the existing markets, he will take further active steps to make it possible, by alteration of existing treaties And other means, to expand such markets both within and without the Empire?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANHis Majesty's Government watch constantly for opportunities of expanding the overseas markets for United Kingdom cotton goods, whether by the conclusion of new trade treaties And agreements or by the amendment of existing ones, but this action does not lessen the need for proceeding with the Cotton Spinning Industry Bill.
§ Mr. HERBERT WILLIAMSWas the number of spindles proposed to be reduced, as fixed in the Bill, based on the assumption that the Government of India Bill was to become law?
§ 50. Sir WALDRON SMITHERSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will issue a White Paper to explain in simple words the provisions of the Cotton Spinning Industry Bill; and whether he will devote special attention to Clause 5 and work out some examples?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANA full explanation of the provisions of the Bill, including those of the Clause mentioned by my hon. Friend, will be given on the occasion of the Second Reading; and more detailed discussion is, of course, possible in Committee.
§ Sir W. SMITHERSSome of us have Clause 5 particularly in mind, and we should like some explanation before the Second Reading, if possible.
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI will try and make it as simple as possible on Second Reading.
§ Sir W. SMITHERSWould it be possible to have an explanation of Clause 5 alone if the right hon. Gentleman cannot give it for the rest of the Bill?
§ 48. Major PROCTERasked the President of the Board of Trade what action he proposes to take to prevent Japanese and other foreign grey cotton cloth being imported into this country for printing and re-exported as of British manufacture; and whether he will consult with the Secretary of State for the Colonies so that only cotton cloth, spun, woven, and finished in Great Britain shall be regarded as British cloth and all other cotton goods not complying with this description shall be deemed as of foreign manufacture to which the Colonial quota regulations will apply?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI understand that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies is communicating with the Colonies on this subject.