HC Deb 05 April 1938 vol 334 cc172-3
22. Mr. Tomlinson

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the value and volume of cotton piece goods exported from this country in the 12 months ended 31st December, 1913, and in the 12 months ended 31st December, 1937; and the same particulars with respect to India alone?

Mr. Stanley

Exports of cotton piece goods from the United Kingdom amounted to 7,075,000,000 linear yards, valued at £97,776,000, in 1913 and to 2,024,000,000 linear yards, valued at £44,783,000, in 1937. The corresponding exports to British India amounted to 3,057,000,000 linear yards, valued at £34,978,000, in 1913 and to 326,000,000 linear yards, valued at £5,709,000, in 1937.

Mr. Tomlinson

Do not the figures as to India reveal the urgent necessity for a new trade agreement with India, and how soon can we anticipate such an agreement being reached?

Mr. Stanley

The hon. Member knows that we are in the middle of very difficult negotiations at the present moment, in which the interests of the cotton industry are not being lost sight of, but I can make no statement as to when any agreement can be reached.

Mr. Rhys Davies

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Lancashire cotton textile industry is suffering the worst depression in the whole of its long history?

Mr. Stanley

Yes, Sir, and I am also aware that it is the tariff policy of the Government which alone gives any hope of getting any concessions.