Oral Answers to Questions — Trade and Commerce. – in the House of Commons at on 18 June 1942.
asked the President of the Board of Trade in view of the inability of British Overseas Cottons, Limited, to carry out its expected functions under existing conditions, whether he will consider the abolition, or substantial decrease, of the levy of 5d. per 100 lbs. imposed on imported raw cotton to finance British Overseas Cottons, Limited.
As I stated in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Everton (Mr. Kirby) on nth June, my right hon. Friend is reviewing this matter. He hopes to reach a decision shortly.
Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman give any indication of what is meant by "shortly"? Does it mean within a few weeks' time?
I am afraid that I cannot give any exact definition of the word in this context.