HC Deb 06 August 1940 vol 364 c8
12. Mr. Hamilton Kerr

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether direct assistance will be given to British Overseas Cottons, Limited, or whether this body will be expected to act independently without State help?

Sir A. Duncan

Under the Encouragement of Export (Cotton) Order, 1940, a levy of 5d. per 100 lb. of raw cotton is payable to the Board of Trade. The proceeds of this levy are to be available for financing the operations of British Overseas Cottons, Limited.

Mr. Kerr

Seeing that exports are all-important in war-time, is my right hon. Friend assured that this company is receiving adequate financial support to operate effectively?

Sir A. Duncan

Yes, Sir, I feel fairly sure that the whole policy of this company is directed to ensuring that it will be able to make a real contribution to the export effort.

Mr. Hammersley

In the event of this financial assistance not proving sufficient to help the export trade, will my right hon. Friend consider further assistance?