HC Deb 13 June 1944 vol 400 cc1780-1
34. Sir Douglas Hacking

asked the Minister of Production whether he will state the purpose of the visit to the U.S.A. of the British Textile Mission, headed by the United Kingdom cotton controller; and whether, in particular, the Mission is empowered to discuss the elimination of the cotton merchants of this country.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Production (Mr. Garro Jones)

At the invitation of my right hon. Friend a Mission of seven members visited the United States and Canada between 17th March and 2nd May last. The sole purpose of the Mission was to study the methods used in the cotton industry in the United States and to advise upon any changes in methods that could be made in this country in order to increase the supply of cotton goods.

Sir D. Hacking

Was the elimination of cotton merchants in this country actually discussed or not?

Mr. Garro Jones

I have given the right hon. Gentleman the terms of reference, to which I have nothing to add. Anything that fell outside those terms of reference, would not be authorised.

Mr. Burke

Will the report be made public?

Mr. Garro Jones

That is a different question. Perhaps my hon. Friend will put it down.

Sir P. Hannon

In view of the imporance of the issues involved in these missions to the United States, surely the result should be submitted to the House of Commons?

Mr. Garro Jones

I have not said it will not be published.

Mr. Gallacher

Will the hon. Gentleman agree that the deputation would have shown a high degree of intelligence if they had discussed the elimination of the merchants?

Sir D. Hacking

Will the hon. Gentleman make inquiries whether or not the elimination of the cotton merchants was discussed?

Mr. Garro Jones

My right hon. Friend has not yet received the report and, obviously, I cannot usefully inquire about the contents of a document which has not yet been received, much less about hearsay reports.