§ MR. CONYBEARE (Cornwall, Camborne)asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether he is aware that, while nailmaking by hand is partly superseded by machinery, this is not the case with the chainmaking trade, of which Mr. Burnett reports—
Instead of being a decaying trade, it continues to develop, and nothing has yet been done to materially supplant hand labour by machinery;whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the chainmakers of Cradley are themselves trying to establish co-operative chainmaking factories, as recommended by Mr. Burnett, but are prevented from doing so by the absence of capital; and, whether, under these circumstances, he will consider the possibility of the advance, by the Loan Commissioners, of a sum of money for that purpose?
§ THE FIRST LORD (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)Mr. Burnett's Report makes no specific recommendation for the establishment of co-operative chainmaking factories; and, as it is a matter rather for private initiation than for Government action, Her Majesty's Government cannot undertake to consider the question of using State loans for the purpose, as many other industries would have an equal claim for assistance.
§ MR. CONYBEAREgave Notice that he would ask for leave to introduce a Bill on the subject.