§ Mr. LEWIS HASLAMasked the Undersecretary of State for India whether he is aware that a statement has recently been issued, under the auspices of the International Federation of Master Cotton Spinners and Manufacturers' Associations, to the effect that men well qualified to judge have expressed the opinion that, by improving and extending the cultivation of cotton in India, the production of cotton in that country could in a comparatively short time be made to equal that of the United States of America; whether this source of increasing the wealth of India is receiving his attention, and especially with regard to instructing the farmers and the provision of proper seed; and whether the Government of India has 2956W already taken steps to promote objects by financial assistance?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe Secretary of State is aware that sanguine estimates have been published as to the possible increase in the cotton production of India. But all such estimates largely depend on certain assumptions as to the superior attractiveness of cotton as a crop over other valuable staples that at present are preferred by the Indian cultivator, on the course of prices, and on other conditions, which may or may not be realised. The Indian Governments are endeavouring, so far as their financial resources permit, to promote agricultural improvement, both in respect of cotton and of other crops, by means of seed farms and by other methods.