§ 17. Mr. Thorntonasked the President of the Board of Trade how many approved applications under the Cotton Finishing Reorganisation Scheme Orders have been made direct to the Cotton Board; how many have been made through realisation companies; what is the estimated cost to the Exchequer of the closing down and scrapping of production units; and what percentages of the whole cost will be met by 236 the Exchequer and by statutory levy on the industry.
§ 18. Mr. Thorntonasked the President of the Board of Trade if the minimum figures required to attract compensation from public funds have been reached in respect of the Cotton Finishing (Yarn Processing) Reorganisation Scheme Order, 1960, and the three subsections of the Cotton Finishing (Woven Cloth) Reorganisation Scheme Order, 1960; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. N. MacphersonThe information is not yet available, since the Cotton Board has not yet completed its scrutiny of the applications. My right hon. Friend understands that it will do so shortly.
§ Mr. ThorntonWill the accounts of the realisation companies subsequently be subject to the scrutiny of the Comptroller and Auditor General?
§ Mr. MacphersonThat is another question, and I should be grateful if the hon. Gentleman will table it.