HC Deb 18 December 1958 vol 597 cc1296-7
30. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will now make a statement on the cotton trade talks in Hong Kong; or when he hopes to be able to do so.

The Minister of State, Board of Trade (Mr. John Vaughan-Morgan)

As my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary explained on 2nd December, the inter-industry negotiations are still in progress. A statement will be made as soon as they are concluded.

Mr. Allaun

Is the Minister aware of the strong feeling in Lancashire that if, after three years of negotiation, no satisfactory agreement can be reached, then the Government themselves should impose a ceiling on these imports or adopt the plan of my right hon. Friend the Member for Huyton (Mr. H. Wilson) for a central buying agency to import all cotton goods?

Mr. Vaughan-Morgan

I would draw the hon. Gentleman's attention to the remarks of my right hon. Friend in the debate yesterday on that subject. I fully appreciate the anxiety of the House at the delay in bringing matters to a conclusion. This is fully shared by the Cotton Board which, like the Government, consider that public discussion of this subject would not facilitate an early settlement.

Mr. Jay

As these negotiations are on the point of expected break down, can the Minister say whether the Government have made up their own mind as to what they will do if the negotiations are not: concluded in reasonable time?

Mr. Vaughan-Morgan

That point was dealt with very succinctly by my right hon. Friend last night.

Mr. Allaun

Is it not reasonable that the home market at least should be saved from goods made by such low labour standards?

31. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the growing practice for Japanese textiles to be imported into Eire, made up there and exported to Britain, causing serious unemployment in Salford and other parts of Lancashire; and if he will take action to prevent the import of such textiles.

Mr. Vaughan-Morgan

I am aware of the difficulties which have arisen from these exports and I am glad to say that the Government of the Irish Republic have agreed in principle to limit them. The details are now being discussed, and we are treating this as a matter of urgency.

Mr. Allaun

While I am most grateful for that news, will the Minister examine the most alarming news which I have been given this morning from Lancashire and meet the representatives of the firms concerned which are having to close mills because of this great evasion of existing quotas and duties on Japanese imports?

Mr. Vaughan-Morgan

I think that is why we are treating this as a matter of urgency.

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