34.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the value during the last full year of raw cotton exported by the Sudan and of cotton cloth imported; and what was the value of cotton cloth manufactured in the Sudan.
The value of raw cotton exported from the Sudan during 1948 was £E16,100,000. The value of cotton cloth imported into the Sudan during the same period was £E4,600,000. Cotton cloth is not yet being manufactured on a significant scale in the Sudan, but it is expected that a mill with an annual capacity of 3,600,000 yards will be ready to operate next year.
Can the Foreign Secretary assure the House that steps are being taken to develop the cotton manufacturing industry in the Sudan, in view of the fact that the raw materials are there; and as they are exporting this cotton and importing the made-up goods, can he say exactly what steps are being taken in the matter?
I have just given the answer. A mill will be introduced next year. At the same time, the scheme is one of the most magnificent developments in the world, and the cotton has to be exported to be manufactured and worn by other nations, as well as used for what they themselves consume.
Is the Foreign Secretary not aware that the cotton exported from the Sudan is very often of a different type from that required for making cotton cloth for wearing?
Yes, that is quite true.