asked the President of the Board of Trade the volume of cotton textile exports, on the latest available date, expressed as a percentage of the 1937 volume.

The volume of United Kingdom exports of cotton yarns and manufactures in the third quarter of this year was 54 per cent. of the average for the year 1937.

Has the right hon. Gentleman good reason to suppose that these figures will shortly be increased?

Yes, Sir, I certainly hope they will, but I am sure that the hon. Gentleman will realise the difficulties of expanding output in exports in an industry which has 30 years of neglect and the difficulties of war-time behind it.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how the volume compares with exports of 20 years ago?

Not without notice.