Cotton Import Committee (Members)

HC Deb 06 December 1951 vol 494 cc2536-7

11. Mr. F. J. Erroll

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will announce the names, individual qualifications, composition and terms of reference of the Committee which he is setting up under the chairmanship of Sir Richard Hopkins for the purpose of working out the best practicable scheme for the importation of raw cotton, together with the date of their first meeting and the expected date of their final meeting.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

The terms of reference of the Cotton Import Committee which the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and I are setting up under the Chairmanship of Sir Richard Hopkins are: To consider and report to the President of the Board of Trade and the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on the question how in the current foreign exchange position cotton can best be supplied to the United Kingdom cotton industry on the most advantageous terms as to quality and price. With my hon. Friend's permission, I will circulate the list of members in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The Committee will be holding its first meeting in Liverpool tomorrow. I cannot say when the Committee will complete its work.

Mr. Erroll

Can my right hon. Friend say whether this statement implies any change in the Government's policy as enunciated by the Prime Minister at Liverpool recently regarding the future of the Liverpool Cotton Exchange?

Mr. Thorneycroft

No, Sir. The Government's policy remains as stated by my right hon. Friend in his speech on 2nd October.

Mr. H. A. Marquand

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether the trade unions have accepted his invitation to serve on this Committee with those terms of reference?

Mr. Thorneycroft

Yes, Sir, they have accepted on those terms of reference.

Following are the members:

• Sir Richard Hopkins. G.C.B. (Chairman).
• Richard Brooks, Esq.
• H. S. Butterworth, Esq.
• E. W. Cockcroft, Esq.
• G. Hasty, Esq., J.P.
• W. B. Hutchinson, Esq.
• Sir Ralph Lacey.
• J. D. Little, Esq. (Jnr.).
• A. Naesmith, Esq., C.B.E., J.P.
• A. Roberts. Esq., C.B.E., J.P.
• C. Schofield, Esq., O.B.E., J.P.
• Sir E. Raymond Streat, C.B.E.
• A. V. Symons, Esq.
• W. T. Winterbottom, Esq., C.B.E.