§ Mr. McCannasked the President of the Board of Trade what proportion of the cotton yarn imported into this country during the first quarter of 1959 came from Hong Kong; and how this figure compares with previous years.
§ Sir D. Eccles22 per cent., compared with 27 per cent., 37 per cent., 26 per cent. and 15 per cent. in the years 1958, 1957, 1956 and 1955, respectively. Previously to 1955 the proportion was negligible.
§ Mr. McCannasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that in the first quarter of 1959 imports of cotton yarn exceeded exports for the first time; and, in view of the fact that the agreement recently negotiated with Honk Kong does not include imports of yarn, if he will take steps to get yarn included to ensure that the spinning section is not subject to the kind of competition which did so much damage to other sections of the textile industry.
§ Sir D. EcclesThe answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes". As regards the second part, the arrangements with Hong Kong were negotiated by the Cotton Board on behalf of the industry.