HC Deb 01 June 1954 vol 528 cc1070-1
36. Lieut.-Colonel Schofield

asked the President of the Board of Trade the present conditions as regards the import of Lancashire cotton piece goods into Jamaica; what new restrictions are being imposed; and what action he proposes to take to protect the best interests of Lancashire cotton piece-goods exporters.

37. Mr. Holt

asked the President of the Board of Trade the nature of the restrictions which Jamaica proposes to impose on Lancashire cotton piece goods after 30th June this year; and what representations he has made to the Jamaican Government in this connection.

38. Mr. Boardman

asked the President of the Board of Trade what information he has regarding the Jamaican proposal to ban imports of Lancashire cotton piece goods after 30th June; the average annual value of such imports; and what action he is taking to maintain the mutual interests of Jamaica and Britain in that trade.

The Minister of State, Board of Trade (Mr. Heathcoat Amory)

The issue of licences for imports of cotton piece goods of types which are now manufactured in Jamaica was temporarily suspended by the Jamaica Government on 13th May. I am glad to say, however, that the Chief Minister of Jamaica, who is at present in this country, has informed my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies that the Jamaica Government is withdrawing this suspension.

Lieut.-Colonel Schofield

Is the Minister aware that his statement will give great satisfaction, not only to British textile exporters, but to the Lancashire cotton trade in general?

Mr. Holt

May I ask if it is the case that the Ariguanabo Mills, which are the only textile mills in Jamaica, were the people who made representations that these restrictions should be put on? Can the right hon. Gentleman confirm statements in the Press that the Calico Printers Association of Lancashire have a financial interest in these mills?

Mr. Amory

Certainly the mills mentioned by the hon. Gentleman are the most important anyway, and I understand that this suspension was imposed as an interim measure to prevent the abnormal import of cloth during the period between the presentation of the Yaxley Report and the decision of the Jamaican Government about what action they should take.

Mr. Holt

The right hon. Gentleman has not said anything about the Calico Printers Association.