asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what steps he is taking to ensure that the negotiations between the Chinese Government and Lancashire traders for a large amount of cotton cloth are brought to a successful conclusion and the order placed in Lancashire?

I understand that tentative inquiries were made recently in regard to the supply of cloth for the Chinese Government, but I am afraid that it would be contrary to the practice of the Department to disclose any details.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise the extreme importance and urgency of this matter, considering the present state of the Lancashire cotton trade; and will he take care before he leaves this country that the order is placed in Lancashire?