Empire Cotton Growing Corporation

HC Deb 31 July 1962 vol 664 cc55-6W

55. Mr. Shaw

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make a statement about the recent transfer to the Department of Technical Cooperation of responsibility for the Empire Cotton Growing Corporation.

Mr. Green

Since the prime function of the Corporation, which operates in a number of territories overseas, is research directed to the improvement of cotton growing, Departmental responsibility for the Corporation's activities may more appropriately be exercised by the Department of Technical Co-operation and has been accordingly transferred to that Department. The Corporation's By Laws and the Deed relating to the capital grant of the Corporation were recently amended to give formal recognition to the change in responsibilities. The Board of Trade, however, still retains an interest in the Corporation's affairs and continues to be represented on its governing bodies.