asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what plans exist for the expanded growth of Empire cotton suitable for use in Lancashire.

There is hope of increased production of American-type cotton in Nigeria and the Gold Coast, and two scientists on the staff of the Empire Cotton Growing Corporation are at present visiting those countries. In East Africa there is room for expansion on new areas and for increased yields from existing areas by better methods of farming, increased use of fertilisers and the control of pests. Experiments in the use of fertilisers and insecticides are about to take place, and steps to open up new areas are now being considered.

In view of the importance of substituting Empire for American cotton, is the Minister able to give any idea of the programme of production for the next four or five years?

In present circumstances, I am not.

Will the Minister see that cotton users in Lancashire try to use more Ugandan cotton, as there seems to be a considerable and not quite justified prejudice against it at present?

It is true that Ugandan cotton is said to be too long for Lancashire's needs—at least, that is the prejudice.