HC Deb 10 April 1956 vol 551 cc15-6
25. Mr. Rhodes

asked the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received from the Nigerian Government and other bodies on the difficulties confronting the Nigerian cotton-growing industry.

Mr. Low

None, Sir.

Mr. Rhodes

Will the right hon. Gentleman accept one or two from me? Is he aware that 200,000 bales were grown in Northern Nigeria this season; that we used most of them; that Lancashire could use 400,000 bales; that it is a dollar saver; that, through the chaos there is in the international cotton market, it looks as though Northern Nigeria may be faced with a loss of £1 million or £2 million during the next season; and that it will be very serious indeed for Lancashire and Northern Nigeria if the matter is not taken up?

Mr. Low

I am aware of some of those things and of the importance of the Nigerian cotton industry; but I was asked a Question about representations, and I have answered it fully and correctly.

Mr. H. Wilson

Does not this experience, taken together with many other experiences, at last indicate to the President of the Board of Trade what a serious thing the Government have done to Commonwealth trade by the abolition of the Raw Cotton Commission and the reopening of the Liverpool Cotton Market?

Mr. Low

No, Sir.