§ Mr. Porrittasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that uncertainty as to the future tariff treatment of United Kingdom cotton and rayon goods exported to India is prejudicial to British export trade; and what steps are being taken to ensure that negotiations for a new trade agreement with India will be initiated with a minimum of delay?
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§ Dr. BurginI am aware of the considerations advanced by my hon. Friend. Preliminary discussions have for some time been going on with the Government of India and there will be no avoidable delay in proceeding with the negotiations. Meanwhile the position under the Ottawa Agreement is being maintained, subject to three months' notice by either Government.
Mr. Rostron Duckworthasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that Indian cotton manufacturers are able to compete in price with comparable United Kingdom productions in British colonial markets where equal fiscal conditions apply to both; and whether he can give an assurance that in the coming negotiations between India and the United Kingdom for a new trade agreement, this factor will be taken into consideration with a view to securing reasonable conditions for United Kingdom cotton and rayon exports?
§ Dr. BurginI can assure my hon. Friend that the factor to which he refers will be borne in mind.