§ 23. Mr. Haleasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the further diminution in employment in the Lancashire cotton industry; and whether he will discuss with the Secretary of State for the Colonies proposals for the expansion of exports of cotton yarn and cloth in those territories.
§ Mr. LowMy right hon. Friend is aware of the employment position in the Lancashire cotton industry. He is in close touch with the industry through the Cotton Exports Committee and otherwise 860 on all questions of exports. The Colonial Territories admit our cotton goods without import restrictions, with the exception of Jamaica.
§ Mr. HaleWould the right hon. Gentleman examine the figures which have been circulated by the Cotton Board? If he does so, he will see that there has been a very considerable diminution in all cotton imports by Colonial Territories in the last few years. Is he aware that spindle hours dropped by 14 per cent. from 1954 to 1955 and loom hours by 8 per cent. and that that is a very serious set-back for a very important industry?
§ Mr. LowI am, of course, aware of these matters. The diminution has been in colonial imports from this country. Total colonial imports have increased very considerably and, as the standard of living in the Colonies rises, we hope that there will be more scope for imports of Lancashire cotton goods.
§ Mr. BottomleyWhat steps are Her Majesty's Government taking to draw the attention of exporters in this country to the fact that earnings as a result of the recent lifting of the embargo on trade with China will mean increased money and ability to buy goods?