§ 27. Mr. R. Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will take steps to encourage the sale of Sea Island cotton produced in the West Indies.
§ Mr. LytteltonMy Department maintains close contact with the West Indian Sea Island Cotton Association, which is responsible for promoting sales of this cotton. Expansion of demand for the high quality articles made of Sea Island 2132 cotton is not easy at the present time, particularly when competing grades of cotton are selling at more favourable prices.
§ Mr. ShinwellMay I ask the Minister, arising out of these Questions, which affect economic development in the West Indies, whether he does not realise that there is little prospect of sound economic development unless some effort is made to improve the transport facilities, which are in a shocking and inadequate condition?
§ Mr. LytteltonI do not think the question of transport is one which concerns this particular matter of Sea Island cotton.
§ Mr. ShinwellDoes not my supplementary question arise out of the subject of economic development, whether it concerns the encouragement of Sea Island cotton or anything else? The right hon. Gentleman must really do something about this.