* * * * Lancashire and India
The formation of a new body called the Cotton Trade League, for the defence of Lancashire's export trade, is not quite the sign of vitality and enterprise it might seem to be, for examination of the objects of the League, and study of the speeches delivered at its inaugural meeting last Saturday, show that what is in question is not the opening up of new markets or more efficient organization, but guaranteed tariff shelter. In particular the demand is for fresh privileges in the Indian market, where the British Government is accused of having conceded everything to the Indian millowners, even against the interests of Indians themselves. In point of fact, this country did bring away from Ottawa the pledge of .a 10% preference on British cotton goods in India. That concession was ratified by a free vote of the Legislative Assembly, but the Lancashire traders are living in a strange world if they think any British Government could or would accede at this time of day to the demand " that in India no import duties other than those necessary for revenue be placed on British goods." Lancashire had this whole question out with Mr. Montagu a dozen years and more ago and got the only possible answer from him. The gradual extension of the textile industry in India itself is a severe blow to Lancashire, and everything possible must be done to mitigate it by rationalization and reduced costs of production. But the one impossible way out is to attempt to limit India's fiscal freedom for the benefit of Lancashire.
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