§ 38. Mr. Mappasked the President of the Board of Trade if agreement has been reached on the import of cotton textiles for 1966 onwards; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DarlingOur proposals for the regulation of imports of cotton textiles after the end of this year were sent 344 formally to overseas countries early in September. Discussion of these proposals cannot be completed in time to bring agreed arrangements into operation from the beginning of 1966. My right hon. Friend has, therefore, informed other countries that an interim scheme will be necessary in order to keep trade moving. This, of course, is without prejudice to the eventual settlement.
§ Mr. MappWill my hon. Friend bear in mind the possibility of unilateral action at the Hong Kong end of the negotiations? Will he ensure that, if there is any unilateral action, his Ministry will have firm proposals ready to deal with any torpedoeing of this sensible plan of gearing imports to the efficiency of the whole industry?
§ Mr. DarlingYes. We have all these considerations in mind.
Mr. Fletcher-CookeWill the Minister of State think again about the reports that there will be a built-in or automatic increase for foreign and Commonwealth imports in future years? This is something which the cotton industry and the Cotton Board dislike very much.
§ Mr. DarlingYes. I would prefer not to say anything more at this stage, but we certainly have that matter in mind in the considerations which are now under way.