§ 26. Mr. A. Royleasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what discussions are taking place regarding the textile quota from Hong Kong; and if he will give an assurance that the Colony's position will be safeguarded by his Department against pressures brought to bear on Her Majesty's Government by other interested parties.
§ Mrs. WhiteMy right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade is considering what proposals to make to the cotton textile exporting countries with regard to the level of exports after 1965 to the United Kingdom. The Colonial Office will naturally be closely concerned with the formulation of these proposals in so far as they affect Colonial Territories, including Hong Kong.
§ Mr. RoyleWill the hon. Lady give an assurance that she will press that control of the textile quota will remain 1829 in the hands of Hong Kong in the future after these talks and also that Hong Kong will not be penalised at these talks because of breaches made in the present quota by India and Pakistan?
§ Mrs. WhiteMatters concerning those other territories are not for my right hon. Friend. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that we will do everything we can to safeguard the position of Hong Kong, for which we are responsible.
§ Sir C. OsborneWill the hon. Lady ensure that Lancashire's interests are not forgotten in all this?
§ Mrs. WhiteI have no doubt whatever that my right hon. Friend will be fully aware of the interests of Lancashire.
§ Mr. MappWill my hon. Friend agree with me that, though there is a large measure of responsibility for the Commonwealth, perhaps the viable part of Hong Kong, too, nevertheless we in Lancashire hope that the decisions about these quotas will be held within the Government's hands and not necessarily in those of Hong Kong?
§ Mrs. WhiteAs my hon. Friend will appreciate, these negotiations will be conducted by the President of the Board of Trade. Our responsibility is simply to safeguard the position of Colonial Territories.