asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, if he is aware that the natives of Eritrea are not granted licences to import cotton sheeting material which is the chief clothing of the people; that this business is entirely in the hands of Arab traders whose high charges were partly responsible for the recent riots; and what action is being taken to remove this cause of friction.

No, Sir. Import licences are granted to Eritreans on the same terms as to other traders. Prior to November, 1949, imports of cotton sheeting were controlled by quota. At the last allocation in September, 1949, there was no application from any Eritrean trader. Since November, 1949, import licences have been granted wherever the application is supported by a firm contract with a supplier; 193 applications for licences have been received but no Eritrean has applied. Licences have been granted to Indian traders 107, to Arab traders 15 and to others 16. Of a total of 570 import