45. Mr. H. Wilsonasked the Prime Minister what discussions took place with the Prime Minister of India during his visit about trade in cotton goods between India and the United Kingdom; and what conclusions were reached.
§ The Prime MinisterThe Minister of State in the Board of Trade during his recent visit to Delhi in January had long and frank discussions with Indian Ministers on this subject, and there was no reason therefore for raising the matter afresh with the Indian Prime Minister in the limited time at his disposal.
Mr. WilsonIs the Prime Minister aware that the Minister of State stated last week in Manchester that he had had no negotiations on this question in Delhi? 1276 Is he further aware of the very deep state of feeling in Lancashire on this matter, and will the right hon. Gentleman initiate high-level and not low-level discussions on the matter?
§ The Prime MinisterI did not use in my answer the word "negotiation." "Discussion" was the word I used, which is not the same thing. As to the general issue, I need scarcely say how gravely the condition of the cotton trade and its good fortune concern Her Majesty's Government.