64 and 65. Mr. H. Wilsonasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) why the percentage of total United Kingdom imports of raw cotton coming from Commonwealth countries fell from 34.9 per cent. in 1953 to 26.7 per cent. in 1954; and what steps he is taking to redress the position;
(2) if he is aware that the percentages of our raw cotton imports coming from the dollar area rose from 28.3 per cent. in 1953 to 34.6 per cent. in 1954; and what steps he is taking to reduce the undue dependence of Lancashire on the United States of America for supplies of raw cotton.
§ Mr. LowThe figures given by the right hon. Gentleman for Commonwealth cotton include cotton from the Sudan. The fall in such imports of raw cotton was due to reduced imports from Pakistan and the Sudan largely caused by uncompetitive prices. The proportion of imports from the other Commonwealth countries was fractionally higher in 1954 than in 1953. The percentage of raw cotton imports from the dollar area rose as stated. It is our policy to give the Lancashire cotton industry freedom to buy its raw materials from the sources190W which suit it best and the Government do not propose to interfere with the commercial judgment of the industry in this respect.