HC Deb 22 March 1911 vol 23 cc568-9W
Mr. BARTON

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether recent corrsepondence with the Indian Government has thrown any fresh light on the question of cotton-growing in India; and whether, in view of the fact that only an infinitesimal proportion of the large Indian export comes to or is suitable for British manufacturers and use, he will, in the interests alike of Indian agriculture and the British cotton trade, cause expert investigation to be made in order to ascertain whether finer grades can now be grown, as there are indications that in bygone days the finest grades were grown in India?

Mr. MONTAGU

The latest information on the subject which the Secretary of State has received is to the effect that the deterioration in the quality of Indian cotton is due to admixture of seed, defective and careless cultivation, and a constant and profitable foreign demand for short-stapled cotton. Expert investigations have for some time past been made by the Agricultural Department of the several provinces, and measures are being taken by the selection of seed, and the establishment of seed farms, to improve the indigenous species and to encourage the cultivators to improve their methods. The Secretary of State is in correspondence with the Government of India as to the possibility of enlarging and extending these experiments.

Mr. BARTON

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India, whether he can state approximately what was the average price per pound actually obtained by Indian growers for their cotton produce in, each year separately for the five years. 1906, 1907, 1908, 1909, and 1910?

Mr. MONTAGU

My hon. Friend will perhaps be content with the average price of raw cotton at each of three typical marts in India in 1906, 1907, 1908, and 1909. The marts taken are in Bombay, Central Provinces, and Berar respectively.

In 1906, the average prices were 3.9 pence, 4 pence, and 3.7 pence.

In 1907, 3.8 pence, 4.3 pence, and 3.5 pence.

In 1908, 3.4 pence, 4.6 pence, 3.7 pence.

In 1909, 4.2 pence, 4.3 pence, 4.1 pence.

Figures for 1910 are not available.