§ 21. Mr. Jayasked the President of the Board of Trade what have been the results of Sir Frank Lee's discussions in Hong Kong and elsewhere on cotton imports into the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Vaughan-MorganThe Hong Kong cotton textile industry has indicated that after the United Kingdom industry has concluded its negotiations with the industries of India and Pakistan, it will be prepared to negotiate with the United Kingdom industry arrangements for the voluntary limitation of exports to the United Kingdom, subject to a number of conditions set out in a statement which they published at the end of Sir Frank Lee's talks. These conditions are being considered by the industry in Lancashire which is, of course, keeping in the closest touch with us.
§ Mr. JayCan the Minister say how soon Lancashire can expect some positive results from all these talks?
§ Mr. Vaughan-MorganThe next steps lie with the industry concerned.
§ Mr. PeytonDoes my hon. Friend realise that this visit of Sir Frank Lee 334 and his recent discussions in Hong Kong have aroused a good deal of interest in some other industries, such as the glove industry? Once the inviolability of the principle of no restriction on free entry from the Colonies is abolished, it is hard to see how these discussions cannot be applied to other industries.
§ Mr. Vaughan-MorganI think my right hon. Friend's reply to my hon. Friend pointed out that there were particular circumstances in this case.