§ 68. Sir John Haslamasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what steps he is taking to ensure that the negotiations between the Chinese Government and Lancashire traders for a large amount of cotton cloth are brought to a successful conclusion and the order placed in Lancashire?
§ Mr. R. S. Hudson (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)I understand that tentative inquiries were made recently in regard to the supply of cloth for the Chinese Government, but I am afraid that it would be contrary to the practice of the Department to disclose any details.
§ Sir J. HaslamDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise the extreme importance and urgency of this matter, considering the present state of the Lancashire cotton trade; and will he take care before he leaves this country that the order is placed in Lancashire?