§ 20 and 21. Sir W. Smithersasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) the quantities and value of cotton held by the Control in overseas countries; if he will name those countries and give details of the amount and value in each, respectively;
(2) how much cotton, and in what grades, is held by the Control; and what was the cost price.
§ Sir S. CrippsThe total quantity of cotton held by the Cotton Control on 31st 1656 March last amounted to about 295,000 tons in the United Kingdom and 220,000 tons abroad or afloat costing about£37 million and£26 million respectively. It would not be desirable to publish details of quantities and value by grades and location.
§ Sir W. SmithersWhy is it necessary to have all this secrecy? How much of this cotton was bought for cash and how much in futures dealings, and if in futures dealings, which foreign markets were used?
§ Sir S. CrippsIf the hon. Member will put those questions on the Paper, I will answer them.
§ Sir W. SmithersI keep on putting them down.
§ Mr. GallacherNever despair.