HC Deb 02 July 1963 vol 680 cc183-4
25. Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

asked the President of the Board of Trade what representations were made to him during his recent visit to Lancashire about imports into this country of cotton goods alleged to be manufactured inside the Commonwealth.

Mr. Erroll

The Cotton Board asked that the regulations under which cotton textiles are admitted to Commonwealth Preference should be made more stringent. While I held out no hope that I could agree to this, I promised to examine any evidence that the difficulties of the cotton industry were attributable to any significant extent to the effects of the existing regulations.

Mr. Mallalieu

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in Lancashire it is thought that a fair amount of the cotton imports coming from Hong Kong are, in fact, manufactured in China? Hong Kong is, I believe, a net importer.

Mr. Erroll

I am very glad to have this opportunity of refuting that oft-repeated rumour. There is no evidence to show that that is taking place, and even if it were taking place it would not result in any increased imports from Hong Kong because it would be within the overall ceiling. I hope that hon. Members on both sides will help me in refuting what is a completely unfounded rumour.

Mr. Hirst

But does not my right hon. Friend consider that the time is possibly overdue when the whole system of Commonwealth Preference should be reviewed?

Mr. Erroll

That is a very much wider question, which I should be glad to discuss privately with my hon. Friend.

Mr. Jay

Apart from that larger question, is it necessary for this purpose to treat Southern Ireland as part of the Commonwealth when she is not part of the Commonwealth?

Mr. Erroll

It is not necessary, but it is mutually advantageous for us to do so. We obtain many benefits from including the Irish Republic within the Commonwealth preferential system, including the opportunity of exporting cotton textiles to the Irish Republic, which is of great help to the Lancashire cotton industry.