§ 43. Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the President of the Board of Trade, whether he is aware of the uneasiness prevailing in the Lancashire cotton industry relative to the decision of the Washington Government to offer to transfer idle manufacturing machinery from the United States of America to some of the South American Republics; that this may adversely affect the British cotton export trade after the war; and will he represent these views to the authorities in Washington?
§ Mr. DaltonAs I have already informed my hon. Friend, the United States authorities no doubt consider that there are advantages, in view of the shortage of shipping space, in sending to Brazil and other South American countries plant which is lying idle in the United States owing to war conditions, rather than finished materials. His Majesty's Government and the United States Government maintain close touch on all questions affecting the use of the productive resources of the United Nations for the common 28 war effort; and I do not feel that special representations on this particular matter are called for.
§ Mr. DaviesDoes not the right hon. Gentleman realise that, while idle machinery in the United States is to be transferred to some of the South American Republics, idle machinery in Lancashire remains in this country; and does not he understand that the people of Lancashire affected by this are feeling that there is some element of unfairness in the situation?
§ Mr. DaltonAs my hon. Friend knows, I am keeping in close touch with Lancashire cotton representatives, and I am sure that these matters are being well kept in mind by the combined board.