§ 44. Mr. Burkeasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what are the steps which have been taken with a view to assisting our export industries 1591 to organise themselves to meet present-day competition in world markets; and, specifically, what has been done in this connection to assist the cotton trade of Lancashire?
§ Mr. R. S. HudsonDiscussions have taken place with representatives of a number of industries regarding the difficulties they are encountering in the export trade and the possibility of meeting those difficulties by a greater co-ordination of effort. As regards the cotton industry, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Middleton and Prestwich (Sir N. Stewart Sandeman) on 24th November.
§ Mr. BurkeWhat British industries had the right hon. Gentleman in mind when he spoke about the success of these steps?
§ Mr. HudsonI would rather the hon. Member did not press for the actual names. The negotiations are in different stages of progress, and it would be undesirable to give names.
§ Mr. HudsonThe hon. Member ought to address any question about the cotton position to my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.