asked the President of the Board of Trade, if he is aware that Colonel Harold S. Tate, chief of the Textile Division, S.C.A.P., Japan, forecasts that textiles will probably provide 80 per cent. of Japan's future exports; and if Great Britain has been consulted on this policy.

Yes, Sir, I am aware of the forecast. The future level of Japanese textile exports depends on a number of factors which fall within the terms of reference of the Far Eastern Commission, of which His Majesty's Government is a member. In the absence of decisions on many of these factors, I do not think it is possible at this stage to make any estimate.

Is. my right hon. and learned Friend aware of the seriousness of this forecast to Lancashire, and that the fear of competition from that quarter is responsible for the lack of recruitment in the textile industries?

I cannot accept the second part of my hon. Friend's supplementary, but I am aware that this is a matter with which Lancashire, naturally, is very urgently concerned.

Is the Minister taking a strong line about it, or is he being weak?

I am not asked whether I am taking a strong line; I am asked whether a certain gentleman made a statement.

Will my right hon. and learned Friend bear in mind that Lancashire does not fear in the least any legitimate competition, but is very anxious about having to compete against trade based on low labour standards? Can he say whether any progress has been made towards securing that this 80 per cent. export of Japanese textiles shall not be at the expense of labour and conditions so low as to make it impossible for Lancashire to compete?

So far as I know, there is no question of 80 per cent. export.

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that there is growing disquiet in Lancashire about possible illegitimate competition from Japan? Before any decision is taken by the Far Eastern Commission, will my right hon. and learned Friend arrange for early conversations with Lancashire Members and representatives of the textile industries?

We are fully aware of the anxiety.

Will my right hon. and learned Friend answer that part of my supplementary question other than the part which mentioned 80 per cent. export?

If my hon. Friend will put a Question on the Order Paper I shall be delighted to give him an answer.

But I have asked the question already.