§ 15. Mr. Bidgoodasked the President of the Board of Trade if, in the light of discussions between the Hong Kong Government and industry, he will now state whether exports of duty-free cotton textiles from Hong Kong to the United Kingdom will continue to be limited after 31st January, 1962, on the lines of proposals made by the Government on 30th June.
§ Mr. MaudlingThe Advisory Board which is representative of the Hong Kong industry has advised that, subject to some reservations which are being further considered, the proposals should be accepted.
§ Mr. BidgoodIs my right hon. Friend aware of the relief that may be felt in Lancashire that the uncertainties as to what might happen after 31st Janaury have been resolved? Can he say whether the agreements with India and Pakistan will automatically be extended? Can he assure me that he will work to ensure that this short-term solution might be translated into some longer-term agreement?
§ Mr. MaudlingI shall be very glad indeed when this problem is resolved. There are still some reservations which we have to sort out. We cannot be absolutely clear what the answer will be. The purpose is to bring the Hong Kong agreement in line, in point of time, with the Indian and Pakistan agreements. It is due to expire a year before they do. That will give all of us another year in which to look at the problem again. We have to recognise that India, Pakistan and Hong Kong all have an interest in our market.