§ 46. Mr. W. Fletcherasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will now consider the urgent question of re-opening the Liverpool Cotton Exchange.
§ Mr. J. EdwardsNo, Sir. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him on 18th January.
§ Mr. FletcherIn view of the answer which has been given to Question No. 37, is the Minister aware that the urgency of re-opening the Liverpool Cotton Exchange and allowing the textile industry to compete in America and elsewhere is very much greater even than it was in January, and will he not reconsider the matter as one of prime and immediate importance?
§ Mr. EdwardsNo, sir.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydMay I ask the Minister whether he is satisfied with the present arrangements for the supply of raw cotton to the spinners?
§ Mr. EdwardsThat is an entirely different matter, but I am completely satisfied that the re-opening of the Liverpool Cotton Exchange would not do away with the currency difficulties, which are the main cause of our present troubles.