HC Deb 01 December 1949 vol 470 c1308
33. Mr. Austin

asked the President of the Board of Trade what efforts he is making to lessen our dependence on American cotton supplies.

Mr. J. Edwards

I understand that the Raw Cotton Commission purchase as much non-dollar cotton as they can obtain at a reasonable price, and encourage Colonial production by offering long-term contracts. The production in this country of synthetic fibres is also being substantially increased.