§ 10. Mr. ROLAND ROBINSONasked the President of tin Board of Trade whether, in view of the possibility of the operation of the Cotton Spinning Industry Bill resulting in increased prices for home-produced cotton goods, he will support an increase in the import duty on foreign cotton goods entering Great Britain?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI cannot accept my hon. Friend's suggestion that the operation of the Cotton Spinning Industry Bill is likely to result in increased prices for home-produced cotton goods. In any event, the question of an increase in the import duty on foreign cotton goods is a, matter for consideration, in the first instance, by the Import Duties Advisory Committee.
§ Mr. ROBINSONWill the right hon. Gentleman undertake to watch the situation carefully, and take action if necessary?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANYes, Sir, we shall certainly see what happens.
§ Mr. HOLDSWORTHIs it not the purpose of the Bill to increase the price of cotton yarn, and will it not fail if it does not do that?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANNo, I am afraid that I cannot accept that as a definition of the main purpose of the Bill.
§ Sir PERCY HARRISIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the price of cotton yarn has already increased in anticipation of the Bill coming into operation?