§ 26. Mr. Walter Fletcherasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is yet in a position to make a statement on the future of raw cotton supplies from the United States of America, with special reference to the quality of cotton that is to be supplied.
§ Mr. RhodesNo, Sir. We are well aware of the importance of the quality consideration involved, but are not yet able to make a further statement.
§ Mr. FletcherIn view of the great importance of this question to the whole of the Lancashire cotton industry, could the hon. Gentleman consider giving some idea of how the allocation scheme is made, and also say whether there is to be an improvement in quality?
§ Mr. RhodesI would not like to say anything about the quality, but I can give the hon. Gentleman an idea how the allocation scheme was made. I believe it was based on consumption for the year, plus three months, less stocks and less likely supplies from outside sources.
§ Mr. ShepherdIs it not a fact that the allocation is appalling and that the Government are entirely responsible for this state of affairs?
§ Mr. RhodesThe Government have done all they can in acquainting the authorities in America with the position.
§ Mr. FletcherWill not the allocation scheme, as briefly outlined by the hon. Gentleman, work very much against this country and in favour of other countries which increased their consumption the year before?
§ Mr. RhodesWe have never been satisfied with the basis of the allocation, and have said so on many occasions.
§ Mr. R. S. HudsonDoes not that indicate that it is time that private enterprise should be given a chance?
§ Mr. RhodesNothing of the sort.