§ 35. Mr. ThurnhamTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received about aid to cotton-producing countries; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr. Mark Lennox-Boyd)None, previously.
§ Mr. ThurnhamIs my hon. Friend aware that many cotton-producing countries—India, Pakistan, China and Egypt—force their cotton farmers to sell their cotton at 646 well below world market prices, thus giving their cotton spinners an unfair advantage? Will he encourage countries receiving British aid not to harm British industry in that way—even if the Opposition spokeswoman likes to bite the hand that feeds her?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI agree that the practice is wrong, but it is a matter for my hon. Friend the Minister for Trade. He is aware of anxiety about the practice of double pricing raw cotton in some cotton-producing countries and we have made known our views on double pricing under the relevant GATT consultation procedures.